Third Annual Anti-Poverty Symposium, 10/24

“Global Impact Through Community Action”

 

Friday, October 24
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Villanova Room
Connelly Center

Join scholars, advocates, policymakers and community leaders for the Third Annual Anti-Poverty Symposium focused on innovative strategies to combat poverty through intersectional and community-driven approaches. This year’s symposium will feature a conversation with Matthew Desmond, Maurice P. During Professor of Sociology at Princeton University and author of multiple books, including Poverty, by America (2023) and Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City (2016), which won a Pulitzer Prize. Expert panels will focus on health, housing, employment, climate action and government policy at local levels.

Following the symposium, a reception will be hosted by the Public Interest Scholars Program and the Access to Justice Fellows.

The Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board has approved this symposium for 4.5 Substantive CLE credits. Please note CLE registration prior to the event is preferred.

This interdisciplinary event is part of a University-wide initiative on poverty and inequality made possible by a gift from Paul Tufano Esq. '83 VSB, '86 CWSL and Christine Tufano '84 CLAS, '86 MA.

AGENDA

Subject to change

8:00–9:00 a.m.: Registration & Breakfast

9:00–9:15 a.m.: Opening Remarks

• Rev. Peter M. Donohue OSA, PhD '75 CLAS, President, Villanova University
• Mark C. Alexander, The Arthur J. Kania Dean and Professor of Law, Villanova Law
• Paul Tufano Esq. '83 VSB, '86 CWSL, Former Chief Executive Officer, AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies
• Kate Vengraitis, Anti-Poverty Fellow, Villanova Law

9:30–10:30 a.m.: Poverty, by America: A Conversation with Matthew Desmond, PhD

• Matthew Desmond, Maurice P. During Professor of Sociology, Princeton University & Author, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City and Poverty, By America
• Moderated by Danielle N. Gadson, Associate Professor of Public Administration, Villanova University

10:40–11:40 a.m.: Panel 1: Health, Housing and Work: The Imperative for an Intersectional Approach in Poverty Reduction

• Donna Bullock, CEO, Project HOME & Former PA State Representative
• Jamie Gullen, Managing Attorney–Employment Unit, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
• Patrick Keenan, Director of Consumer Protections & Policy, Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN)
• Riquan King, Director of Advocacy, TURN (Tenants Union for Representation Network)
• Vincent Reina, Professor, City and Regional Planning, Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania
• Moderated by Jim Mendez, Clinical Associate Professor, Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

11:45–12:45: Lunch

12:45–1:30 p.m.: How Global Warming Fuels Global Poverty - And How That Must Change

• Karen Florini, Strategic Advisor, C-Change Conversations

1:35–2:35 p.m.: Panel 2: The Role of Local and State Government in Poverty Reduction

• Beth McConnell, Deputy Executive Director of Policy and Programs, Philadelphia Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity
• Meghna Patel, Deputy Secretary of Policy and Planning, Office of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro
• Jared Solomon '06, PA House of Representatives for the 202^nd District
• Monica Taylor, Council Chair, Delaware County Pennsylvania
• Moderated by Crandall Jones, Chief Administrative Officer, Upper Darby Township and Adjunct Professor, Villanova University Department of Public Administration

2:45–3:45 p.m.: Panel 3: Proven Strategies for Community Economic Development

• Paury Flowers, Deputy Director, Mount Vernon Manor Community Development Corporation
• Stephanie Michel, Executive Director, Olney Community Collaborative
• Samantha Mogil, Program Officer, The Regional Foundation
• Moderated by Maira Reimão, The Michele and Christopher Iannaccone ‘91 Assistant Professor, Economics, Villanova School of Business

3:45–4:00 p.m.: Closing Prayer Service

• Rev. Julia Sheetz, Director of Multifaith Ministry, Villanova University

4:00–6:00 p.m.: Reception hosted by the Public Interest Scholars Program and the Access to Justice Fellows