Building vibrant cities is hard, but innovators don’t have to do it alone. Welcome to the Vibrant Spaces podcast, a show about placemaking, activating and connecting city spaces for the communities you serve.
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In this episode we focus on Tulsa, Oklahoma, where guests Meg Gould and Natalie Bowling are using art, infrastructure, and deep listening to bridge historic divides and create a stronger sense of identity for a city still in the process of healing.
As leaders from Tulsa’s Planning and Economic Development Department and the Downtown Coordinating Council, Meg and Natalie walk us through the city’s evolution—from the trauma of urban renewal and the legacy of redlining, to new pathways for storytelling and celebration. We dive into Tulsa’s public art master plan, equitable investment zones, and the role artists play in serving as cultural ambassadors—bringing light and pride to neighborhoods too often overlooked.
This episode explores:
How artists and infrastructure are being used to repair and reconnect neighborhoods
The power of shifting from “revitalization” language to place-based storytelling
The promise (and challenge) of funding models driven by private philanthropy
Why city planning needs both strategic design and on-the-ground community relationships to succeed
How Tulsa is investing in local creatives and sending artists out into the world as ambassadors—to extol the virtues of building your life and career in Tulsa
..What a journey it’s been! Today, we’re thrilled to bring you the season finale of Vibrant Spaces Podcast—a show dedicated to reimagining how we activate, connect, and build city spaces that serve our communities. Join co-hosts Emily Craven and Tim Souza as they look back on an inspiring season of placemaking, vibrant storytelling, and groundbreaking city-building ideas that are reshaping urban spaces across the United States.
In this special wrap-up episode, Emily and Tim celebrate a season filled with transformative ideas and innovative thinkers. From Tampa to Philadelphia, Baltimore to Kansas City, each city has shared unique insights, demonstrating how cities can be both inclusive and vibrant. Together, they revisit impactful themes from each episode: Tampa’s neighborhood connections, Kansas City’s artistic and community events, Baltimore’s collaborative rise, and Philadelphia’s forward-thinking nighttime economy. Each story added a piece to the puzzle of creating spaces that don’t just function but bring joy, healing, and a sense of belonging to everyone.
As we look back on this season’s discussions we take a moment to imagine if we had a magic wand, how we would build own own cities from scratch and ask the questions:
How can cities learn from each other?
How can we create a framework that makes great ideas scalable across cities?
These questions push us toward a vision of cities that are both unique in culture and unified in purpose. So, plug in those headphones and join us one last time this season as we celebrate the moments, leaders, and cities that have paved the way to a more vibrant tomorrow. Here’s to the future of Vibrant Spaces—may it inspire you to imagine what’s possible in your own community!
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Vibrant Spaces Podcast Ep 6 – The City of Philadelphia: Vibrancy for All (Nighttime Economy)
To The Story City Podcast: Vibrant Spaces is here with another exciting episode, where we explore the creative ways urban leaders are revitalizing cities and shaping vibrant, inclusive communities. Join co-hosts Emily Craven and Tim Souza as they chat with Raheem Manning, Philadelphia’s Night Mayor, who is driving a bold vision for the city’s nighttime economy.
In this episode, Raheem, officially titled Director of Nighttime Economy and Business Development, takes us behind the scenes of his mission to transform Philadelphia into a true 24-hour city. Raheem’s efforts extend beyond nightlife entertainment—he is advocating for the unsung heroes of the night, including third-shift workers, emergency personnel, and hospitality employees. His goal? To make sure that everyone who works, plays, or lives at night has the same access to safe, vibrant spaces as daytime residents.
From championing late-night food truck markets to addressing public safety concerns with innovative lighting and bus stop designs, Raheem explains how his work is about creating a holistic, inclusive experience. As Philadelphia gears up for FIFA 2026 and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Raheem discusses how the city plans to shine on the global stage while fostering local engagement.
Tune in to discover how Philadelphia is lighting up the night—literally and figuratively—and hear how Raheem’s efforts are shaping a future where nighttime workers, tourists, and residents can enjoy a vibrant, 24-hour city that never sleeps. Whether you’re an urban planner, a night owl, or simply curious about how cities can thrive after dark, this episode will inspire you to rethink the possibilities of nighttime in your own community.
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Vibrant Spaces Podcast Ep 5 – The City of Baltimore: Downtown RISE & Radical Grassroots Collaboration
… Step into the heart of urban transformation with the Story City Podcast: Vibrant Spaces, where we uncover the stories and strategies behind revitalizing city spaces to create thriving, connected communities. Join co-hosts Emily Craven and Tim Souza as they take you on a journey through Baltimore, a city harnessing collaboration and innovation to reshape its downtown into a vibrant, inclusive hub.
In this episode, we meet three exceptional women driving Baltimore’s transformation: Faith Leach, Shalonda Stokes, and Cassie Clemente. These dynamic leaders are spearheading the Downtown RISE initiative—a powerful, strategic action plan aimed at revitalizing Baltimore’s core through art, safety improvements, community collaboration, and long-term planning.
Discover how this trio is rethinking urban spaces, not only focusing on immediate, tangible improvements like public art and infrastructure upgrades, but also building a ten-year vision for a walkable, accessible, and thriving downtown. Their collaboration brings together local government, nonprofit organizations, and private sectors, creating a model of collective impact that is transforming the city’s future.
As they share their insights on radical community engagement and inclusive development, you’ll see how Baltimore’s approach, blending short-term wins with long-term vision, is reshaping both the physical and cultural landscape of the city. Whether you’re a city planner, a community advocate, or simply passionate about urban spaces, this episode offers a deep dive into how cities can evolve through intentional collaboration and innovative thinking.
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Vibrant Spaces Podcast Ep 4 – The City of Baltimore: The Importance of Using Artists in Urban Planning
To the Vibrant Spaces Podcast where we explore the transformative power of art, culture, and community in revitalizing urban spaces across the United States. In this special Baltimore episode, join co-hosts Emily Craven and Tim Souza as they sit down with Tonya Miller Hall, trailblazing advocate and Senior Advisor of Arts and Culture in The Office of the Mayor of the City of Baltimore.
Tonya shares her inspiring journey of returning to Baltimore after decades in New York and finding herself as a direct bridge for the people to the Mayor’s Office lighting a spark for the city’s creative resurgence. As the driving force behind groundbreaking initiatives such as the creation of the Artscape Pocket Park, Art After Dark, and the beginnings of a different kind of graffiti task force, Tonya is shaping the city’s vibrant landscape through bold, guerrilla-style placemaking efforts.
Through thoughtful storytelling and candid conversations, this episode highlights Tonya’s bold vision for a cultural plan that reflects Baltimore’s rich history and future potential. Whether it’s building pocket parks, creating murals, or rethinking how communities engage with public art, Tonya’s work exemplifies how intentional placemaking can transform cities from the ground up.
Whether you’re a city planner, artist, or community advocate, this episode will leave you inspired to think big, be bold, and reimagine the potential of your own urban environment. Plug in and learn how Baltimore is setting a powerful example of urban renewal, proving that when a city comes together, the possibilities are endless. Vibrant Spaces is more than just a podcast—it’s a roadmap for building the cities of tomorrow.
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Vibrant Spaces Podcast Ep 3 - The City of Kansas City: Creativity as a mindset for a unified experience for the residents of your city. Vibrant Spaces Podcast Ep 3 – The City of Kansas City: Creativity as a mindset for a unified experience for the residents of your city.
…In the heart of Kansas City, a quiet revolution is reshaping the cityscape, one vibrant detail at a time. Join Emily Craven and Tim Souza in the latest season of the Story City Podcast: Vibrant Spaces, as they sit down with the city’s visionaries who are breathing new life into urban environments across the United States.
Discover how Kansas City’s transformation is more than just a change in aesthetics—it’s about fostering a sense of community, pride, and belonging. From the strategic placement of signage to the consistent visual branding across all city projects, Melissa and Jared reveal the meticulous thought process behind creating a city where everyone, from a mom pushing a stroller to a lifelong resident, feels at home.
This episode is more than just a conversation; it’s an invitation to rethink how we build and experience our cities.
In this episode, Melissa Kozakiewicz , the Deputy City Manager for Kansas City, and Jared Horman, Creative Director for the City of Kansas City, share their insights into what makes a city not just livable, but lovable and joyfulOkay. Dive deep into the behind-the-scenes efforts that ensure every corner of the city, from the smallest sidewalk notice to grand murals and infrastructure projects, contributes to a cohesive and joyful experience for every resident and visitor.
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Vibrant Spaces Podcast Ep 2 - The City of Kansas City: Leveraging Events as Catalysts for Community Building and Vibrancy Vibrant Spaces Podcast Ep 2 – The City of Kansas City: Leveraging Events as Catalysts for Community Building and Vibrancy
…to the launch of a new season of the Story City Podcast: Vibrant Spaces, where we get to share with you our learnings and networks of innovative change makers leading the charge in revitalizing urban and city spaces, increasing vibrancy across the United States.
Join co-hosts, Emily Craven and Tim Souza weekly to learn, be inspired and ponder new ways we can utilize our cities to build a more connected, inspired and culturally thriving future for all.
We’re are off to our second city of the season with an enlightening interview featuring Will Gregory, chair of the NTDF board in Kansas City, and Elliott Scott, a key figure in Kansas City’s Sports Commission. Will shares his journey growing up in Kansas City, highlighting the transformative changes the city has undergone. Discover how Kansas City evolved from a “flyover city” to a nationally recognized hub, celebrated for its incredible sports teams, artists, chefs, and designers.
Learn about the Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund (NTDF), a unique funding mechanism that promotes city vibrancy and revitalization through community events. Will explains how NTDF supports diverse initiatives, from small neighborhood events to large citywide festivals, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment that benefits both locals and tourists.
Elliott Scott further enriches the discussion by exploring the pivotal role of sports in Kansas City’s resurgence. He discusses how sports events and teams have propelled Kansas City into the national spotlight, driving economic growth and fostering community pride.
Plug in those headphones and join us as we explore how Kansas City is setting an inspiring example of urban revitalization and community building. Tune in to Story City Podcast: to hear firsthand how city innovators are tackling the vibrancy challenge and creating a brighter future for all.
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Vibrant Spaces Ep. 1 - City of Tampa: The Importance of Making Downtowns Relevant to All Vibrant Spaces Podcast Ep: 1 – The City of Tampa The Importance of Making Downtowns Relevant to All
…to the launch of a new season of the Story City Podcast: Vibrant Spaces, where we get to share with you our learnings and networks of innovative change makers leading the charge in revitalizing urban and city spaces, increasing vibrancy across the United States.
Join co-hosts, Emily Craven and Tim Souza weekly to learn, be inspired and ponder new ways we can utilize our cities to build a more connected, inspired and culturally thriving future for all.
We’re kick off this season with an interview with change-makers out of the City of Tampa, Florida who have been re-imagining how to help their city grow stronger into the future, especially in the wake of increasing population growth as people move in from out of state thanks to a burgeoning tech sector. How do they connect the citizens in the city to itself and her neighborhoods? How can they keep the rich culture, history and traditions of the city alive while welcoming the new growth?!
Highlighting initiatives like Tampa’s Soul Walk and waterfront development, this episode showcases how different departments collaborate for dynamic community building. Our guests today focus on community-led placemaking and cultural heritage, while emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and redevelopment. The podcast outlines Tampa’s unique funding via Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs) that foster economic growth without displacing current residents. Ultimately, this episode celebrates the concerted efforts to create vibrant, inclusive spaces in urban environments.
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Vibrant Spaces S02 EP02 | How Baltimore is Using Infrastructure to Reconnect and Reimagine
In this episode we focus on Baltimore, Maryland where we sit down with our guest Eric Souza, to discuss how his organization is leveraging the community of Midtown to take down historic barriers and build opportunities for the community.
Eric is the past President for Midtown Baltimore, which is a neighbourhood advocacy and improvement program striving to provide consistent services in order to ensure a clean, green and safe community. Eric walks us through the benefits of a management authority in a small city like Baltimore and how it differs from other civic authorities. We dive into how the city of Baltimore is confronting its difficult history through art, and what initiatives they are planning to leverage art and artists to bring safe access to services to the community. By using art as infrastructure, Midtown Baltimore is able to bring safety and security to their historic neighbourhood.
This episode explores:
The need for art as infrastructure
Why the organization strives for maintenance before beautification
The importance for equity through safe access for all communities
Why cities need to start looking at artists and creatives as civic partners to create and the benefits that can come in investing in artists locally
Want to be considered for an episode? Email Emily and Tim with information on your city and initiatives and tell us, what do you do innovatively in your city?
Emily Craven – Founder & CEO Story City: Emily has worked with cities for well over a decade to reimagine public space via storytelling and upskilling of local creators in digital activations of cities. Regularly driving 30k+ people through targeted city areas via adventure and whimsy, Emily has won national awards, been profiled in multiple magazines, and worked with international organizations like the Institute for the Future of the Book to bring content from the screen to the streets in innovative ways.
Tim Souza – Head of Community Activation at Story City: Tim has held many roles and titles over the years with organizations ranging from Microsoft to Thomson Reuters to TEDx, specializing in the building networks of partners to create larger impact than would have been possible individually. With both a passion for and a degree in Peace, Justice, Entrepreneurship and Technology Tim excitedly now tackles the challenges faced by local creatives, cities, and businesses to build strong vibrant communities of creators who add layers of play to the physical world around them via Story City’s innovative model.
Want to be considered for an episode? Email Emily and Tim with information on your city and initiatives and tell us, what do you do innovatively in your city?
Raheem Manning, is an advocate for arts, culture, and economy as the City’s First Night Time Economy Director, part of the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, Office of Business Development & Workforce Solutions. In this newly created role, Manning leads public engagement efforts to develop a strategic governance plan and advocate for policies that support the City’s attraction and retention of companies within its night-time economy.
Previously, Manning served as the Co-Chair of the City’s Arts and Culture Task Force, where his work has collaboratively resulted in almost $3 million in direct grant funding to over 1500 individual artists and 60 small and medium-sized art and culture organizations. Raheem earned Bachelor of Arts from Clark Atlanta University, Masters in Business Administration from Thomas Jefferson University and holds certification in International Business from East China Normal University. Raheem is the first in his family to graduate high school and obtain a master’s. Raheem spearheads hope for the next generations and has volunteered thousands of hours supporting youth-based community initiatives in Philadelphia, including coordinating the raising of over $100,000 in donations to help hundred students attend Historically Black colleges.
Emily Craven – Founder & CEO Story City: Emily has worked with cities for well over a decade to reimagine public space via storytelling and upskilling of local creators in digital activations of cities. Regularly driving 30k+ people through targeted city areas via adventure and whimsy, Emily has won national awards, been profiled in multiple magazines, and worked with international organizations like the Institute for the Future of the Book to bring content from the screen to the streets in innovative ways.
Tim Souza – Head of Community Activation at Story City: Tim has held many roles and titles over the years with organizations ranging from Microsoft to Thomson Reuters to TEDx, specializing in the building networks of partners to create larger impact than would have been possible individually. With both a passion for and a degree in Peace, Justice, Entrepreneurship and Technology Tim excitedly now tackles the challenges faced by local creatives, cities, and businesses to build strong vibrant communities of creators who add layers of play to the physical world around them via Story City’s innovative model.
Plug in and learn how Baltimore is setting a powerful example of urban renewal, proving that when a city comes together, the possibilities are endless. Vibrant Spaces is more than just a podcast—it’s a roadmap for building the cities of tomorrow.
Want to be considered for an episode? Email Emily and Tim with information on your city and initiatives and tell us, what do you do innovatively in your city?
Faith Leach was appointed by Mayor Brandon Scott to serve as the City’s second, and first woman, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). In her role, Leach manages the day-to-day government operations across the entire city enterprise. Prior to this appointment, CAO Leach served as the Deputy Mayor of Equity, Health, and Human Services where she provided strategic direction to a portfolio of agencies at the forefront of quality-of-life issues. Before her tenure with the City of Baltimore, Leach served as Chief of Staff at the JPMorgan Chase & Co. Foundation. In this capacity, she oversaw the Foundation’s commitment to invest $2B over five years to strengthen workforce systems, revitalize neighborhoods, grow small businesses, and improve the financial health of vulnerable communities across the globe. She has spent nearly two decades addressing the key drivers of economic inequality fuelling the racial wealth divide. Before joining JPMorgan Chase & Co., Leach served as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity under DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, standing up a first-of-its-kind government agency focused on revitalizing overlooked and underserved neighborhoods. Faith is an Ambassador with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Shelonda Stokes is the President of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and the Executive Director of the Downtown Management Authority. She leads these two multi-million-dollar organizations and since taking up this mantle Downtown Partnership has more than doubled the organization’s revenues and served as a catalyst for $50M commitment to the Central business District. Of particular pride is a new minority business program that fosters small business growth while increasing equitable occupancy in vacant storefronts. Titled, BOOST (Black-Owned and Occupied Storefront Tenancy), this initiative supports the long-term success of minority-owned, Baltimore-based businesses in Downtown storefronts. Prior to her role at Downtown Partnership, Shelonda spent twenty years as the President and CEO of greiBO, a full-service marketing and entertainment agency, that included clients like: State Farm, Hewlett Packard, Under Armour, Smithsonian, and Coca Cola. Shelonda is the recipient of more than 85 community and professional awards. As a respected thought-leader, she serves as a critical advisor to an elite list of Fortune 100 CEOs, elected officials, and other dignitaries.
Cassie Clemente serves as Vice President at Just Economy. At Just Economy, Cassie leads a variety of change management and stakeholder engagement initiatives, with a special focus on operationalization and implementation. Cassie leads many Baltimore City area projects including: Baltimore Together, the region’s strategic plan for equitable economic growth, Downtown RISE: Strategic Action Plan, and the Baltimore City Squeegee Collaborative. In all of this work she supports public and private partners, ensuring a collaborative approach to implementation with a strong focus on results and accountability. She is Maryland educated with a BA from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and an Executive MBA from the Sellinger School at Loyola University of Maryland.
Emily Craven – Founder & CEO Story City: Emily has worked with cities for well over a decade to reimagine public space via storytelling and upskilling of local creators in digital activations of cities. Regularly driving 30k+ people through targeted city areas via adventure and whimsy, Emily has won national awards, been profiled in multiple magazines, and worked with international organizations like the Institute for the Future of the Book to bring content from the screen to the streets in innovative ways.
Tim Souza – Head of Community Activation at Story City: Tim has held many roles and titles over the years with organizations ranging from Microsoft to Thomson Reuters to TEDx, specializing in the building networks of partners to create larger impact than would have been possible individually. With both a passion for and a degree in Peace, Justice, Entrepreneurship and Technology Tim excitedly now tackles the challenges faced by local creatives, cities, and businesses to build strong vibrant communities of creators who add layers of play to the physical world around them via Story City’s innovative model.
Want to be considered for an episode? Email Emily and Tim with information on your city and initiatives and tell us, what do you do innovatively in your city?
Tonya R. Miller Hall is a pioneering figure in Baltimore’s cultural landscape, serving as the city’s first Senior Advisor of Arts and Culture within the Mayor’s Office since the 1990s.
A Baltimore native, Tonya ventured to New York City in her twenties, where she crafted an illustrious career spanning fashion, music, social justice, and lifestyle branding, collaborating with notable figures and brands such as rockers Steven Tyler, Wendy Williams, Miss Sixty Jeans, Enyce, WWD, Teen Vogue, and orchestrated significant events like the National Equal Justice Awards, New York AIDS Walk, GLAAD Media Awards, and MTV Music Awards. Tonya’s professional journey brought her back to Baltimore in 2018 when she became the Senior Director of Public Affairs. She oversaw communications, social media, city-wide events and festivals, public art curation, content creation, design, sponsorship development, and CHARM TV’s original network programming.
Tonya was the Chief Marketing & Programs Officer for the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA), leading a brand revitalization and introducing a new vision of Artscape. As the Senior Advisor of Arts & Culture at the Mayor’s Office, Tonya is fervently dedicated to transforming Baltimore into a hub of innovation and creativity within the creative sector, reimagining projects such as Artscape 2023, Baltimore’s flagship arts festival and successfully acquiring a $1 million grant from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Art Challenge for the innovative “Inviting Light” project, slated for 2024-25. As one of eight U.S. cities selected from 154 submissions, this project aims to transform public spaces with innovative lighting installations, all the while increasing public safety in a beautiful way.
Emily Craven – Founder & CEO Story City: Emily has worked with cities for well over a decade to reimagine public space via storytelling and upskilling of local creators in digital activations of cities. Regularly driving 30k+ people through targeted city areas via adventure and whimsy, Emily has won national awards, been profiled in multiple magazines, and worked with international organizations like the Institute for the Future of the Book to bring content from the screen to the streets in innovative ways.
Tim Souza – Head of Community Activation at Story City: Tim has held many roles and titles over the years with organizations ranging from Microsoft to Thomson Reuters to TEDx, specializing in the building networks of partners to create larger impact than would have been possible individually. With both a passion for and a degree in Peace, Justice, Entrepreneurship and Technology Tim excitedly now tackles the challenges faced by local creatives, cities, and businesses to build strong vibrant communities of creators who add layers of play to the physical world around them via Story City’s innovative model.
Tune in to hear how Kansas City’s innovative approach to urban design is setting new standards for city living, and be inspired to bring a little bit of that vibrancy to your own community. Whether you’re a city planner, a designer, or simply someone who loves where they live, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating spaces that not only work but also bring joy. Plug in those headphones and let’s take a look at the way the these city innovators are tackling this vibrancy challenge!
Want to be considered for an episode? Email Emily and Tim with information on your city and initiatives and tell us, what do you do innovatively in your city?
Melissa Kozakiewicz is a seasoned public administration professional currently serving as the Deputy City Manager for Kansas City, Missouri. With oversight of a substantial $2.4 billion budget and direction for 4000 municipal employees, she brings a wealth of experience to her role.
Prior to her current position, Melissa held the title of Deputy Business Administrator for the City of Jersey City, showcasing her proficiency in municipal management. In both Kansas City and Jersey City, Melissa has championed the concept of “the utility of creativity,” infusing artistry and intentionality into all aspects of municipal initiatives and operations.
Her dedication to innovation and forward-thinking approaches led her to also serve as the Director of Innovation for Jersey City, where she demonstrated a commitment to fostering progressive solutions. Melissa’s broad expertise is further evidenced by her previous roles as a professor of public policy and the editor of the Jersey City Independent, highlighting her deep understanding of community engagement and communication.
With a passion for driving positive change and enhancing the quality of life for residents, Melissa Kozakiewicz continues to be an influential figure in the realm of municipal governance, shaping the future of cities through her visionary leadership.
Jared Horman, Creative Director for the City of Kansas City, Missouri, brings a dynamic blend of design and creativity to the city’s communications and initiatives. With a BFA in Graphic Design from Missouri State University and a background in graphic design, marketing, and freelancing, Jared’s work has significantly enhanced Kansas City’s visual identity, social media storytelling, and even led to the creation of the city flag.
Starting his career as the first full-time Graphic Designer for Pi Kappa Phi fraternity HQ, Jared later served as the Director of Marketing and Communications for FarmHouse fraternity. His freelance work and volunteer roles for local fundraising events in Kansas City further honed his creative skills.
Jared defines creative placemaking as envisioning spaces that inspire community use and engagement. His vision for Kansas City involves celebrating its rich artistic culture through public art, new parks, and innovative wayfinding systems. He believes creative placemaking fosters community, joy, and economic growth.
Navigating the complexities of municipal government has been an exciting new opportunity; Jared’s perseverance has led to notable achievements, including designing the city’s wayfinding and public aesthetic. He holds a firm belief that creativity inspires joy and reflection, encouraging collaborative community building.
Emily Craven – Founder & CEO Story City: Emily has worked with cities for well over a decade to reimagine public space via storytelling and upskilling of local creators in digital activations of cities. Regularly driving 30k+ people through targeted city areas via adventure and whimsy, Emily has won national awards, been profiled in multiple magazines, and worked with international organizations like the Institute for the Future of the Book to bring content from the screen to the streets in innovative ways.
Tim Souza – Head of Community Activation at Story City: Tim has held many roles and titles over the years with organizations ranging from Microsoft to Thomson Reuters to TEDx, specializing in the building networks of partners to create larger impact than would have been possible individually. With both a passion for and a degree in Peace, Justice, Entrepreneurship and Technology Tim excitedly now tackles the challenges faced by local creatives, cities, and businesses to build strong vibrant communities of creators who add layers of play to the physical world around them via Story City’s innovative model.
Want to be considered for an episode? Email Emily and Tim with information on your city and initiatives and tell us, what do you do innovatively in your city?
Will has over 25 years of outstanding on-the-job industry experience including: Manager of Events and Marketing – Downtown St. Louis Partnership, Community Relations Manager – The Kansas City Public Library System, Public Affairs Manager and Senior Writer – The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. And now as founder of his own firm representing retail, restaurant and hospitality clients throughout the region. Will also provides pro-bono consulting to numerous not-for-for-profit initiatives and currently serves on the Board of KCPT (KCPBS) as well as Board Chair for Kansas City’s Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund. He holds a degree in English from the University of Missouri.
Elliott is a graduate of University Missouri-Kansas City where he received a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree. He also has a Master of Professional Studies, Strategic Public Relations degree from George Washington University.
In his free time, Elliott leverages his marketing and communications experience on behalf of nonprofit organizations and causes such as WaterFire KC, Kemper Gala, American Cancer Society’s annual gala and Bloom Party. He also writes a running and wellness column, called “Runner’s High”, in The Pitch. You’ll often find Elliott running throughout Kansas City and training for marathons and the occasional ultramarathon.
Elliott currently serves as Director, Marketing & Communications for the Kansas City Sports Commission (KCSC) where he leads editorial strategy and outreach for KCSC and WIN for KC.
Emily Craven – Founder & CEO Story City: Emily has worked with cities for well over a decade to reimagine public space via storytelling and upskilling of local creators in digital activations of cities. Regularly driving 30k+ people through targeted city areas via adventure and whimsy, Emily has won national awards, been profiled in multiple magazines, and worked with international organizations like the Institute for the Future of the Book to bring content from the screen to the streets in innovative ways.
Tim Souza – Head of Community Activation at Story City: Tim has held many roles and titles over the years with organizations ranging from Microsoft to Thomson Reuters to TEDx, specializing in the building networks of partners to create larger impact than would have been possible individually. With both a passion for and a degree in Peace, Justice, Entrepreneurship and Technology Tim excitedly now tackles the challenges faced by local creatives, cities, and businesses to build strong vibrant communities of creators who add layers of play to the physical world around them via Story City’s innovative model.
Want to be considered for an episode? Email Emily and Tim with information on your city and initiatives and tell us, what do you do innovatively in your city?
Robin Nigh‘s award-winning work comes from over thirty five years of experience in placemaking and bringing art to the public realm. For the City of Tampa, Nigh oversees all aspects of planning and implementation of multiple art-related programs, including capital projects that require leveraging assets within the city, developing partnerships, working with the community and site stakeholders. Trained as an Art Historian, she has served on the Americans for the Arts’ Public Art Network (or PAN) Council and has lectured and consulted about art in the public realm across the country. Her most recent initiative is Soulwalk an African American Culture and Heritage Trail through the Arts, for the City of Tampa.
Stephen Benson has worked in the transportation and land use fields since 2011 as a consultant, and at state and local agencies. Most recently, Stephen has led the reestablishment of the City Planning function at the City of Tampa, building a long-term policy agenda that advances many progressive community planning and design principles including zoning reform, missing middle housing, main streets, traditional neighborhood design, and highway conversion. Stephen is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the Congress for the New Urbanism.
Emily Craven – Founder & CEO Story City: Emily has worked with cities for well over a decade to reimagine public space via storytelling and upskilling of local creators in digital activations of cities. Regularly driving 30k+ people through targeted city areas via adventure and whimsy, Emily has won national awards, been profiled in multiple magazines, and worked with international organizations like the Institute for the Future of the Book to bring content from the screen to the streets in innovative ways.
Tim Souza – Head of Community Activation at Story City: Tim has held many roles and titles over the years with organizations ranging from Microsoft to Thomson Reuters to TEDx, specializing in the building networks of partners to create larger impact than would have been possible individually. With both a passion for and a degree in Peace, Justice, Entrepreneurship and Technology Tim excitedly now tackles the challenges faced by local creatives, cities, and businesses to build strong vibrant communities of creators who add layers of play to the physical world around them via Story City’s innovative model.
