The Philosophy of Putting People First Featuring Maritza Coscarelli With The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation

Maritza Coscarelli with The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation joins Kiarra Louis to dive into The Patterson Foundation's DeSoto County Ahead initiative, specifically The Harwood Institute's Catalytic Guide Program in DeSoto County. 

The Patterson Foundation (TPF) has worked with The Harwood Institute since 2012. Earlier this year, TPF partnered with The Harwood Institute to bring additional resources to the DeSoto community, empowering it to navigate issues with new perspectives and build stronger, more effective collaborations. 

Part of the partnership focused on The Harwood Institute's Catalytic Guide Program -- a 12-week intensive program for community members who desire to guide their community to create lasting change. Catalytic Guides are local community leaders trained in the Harwood approach and positioned in the community to help people adopt a mindset and a practice that enables them to step forward, take action, and unleash the potential of their community.

Key Themes

• Shared Aspirations
• Putting People First
• Walking alongside a community 

Key Quotes

• The Institute's philosophy is one of putting people first." 
• "The Institute and I believe that the solutions you're seeking are within you and your community, and it's just a matter of shedding light on that, beginning  with what you aspire to." 

Timestamps 

• 1:14  - About The Harwood Institute  
• 5:30  - Helping people and communities  
• 7:17  - Focusing on Aspirations 
• 15:30  - Walking alongside a community
• 16:22  - Types of leaders 
• 19:28  - Public Innovators Lab in 2025 
• 21:20  - What's your contribution? 

Links to Learn More 

• DeSoto County Ahead
• The Harwood Institue 
• Maritza Coscarelli
• The Harwood Catalytic Guide program 

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