The focus of the Community Engagement and Inclusion Coordinator is to connect with the residents of Youngstown on a grassroots level. This will include gathering community feedback, creating sustainable programming and providing access to the facilities located in Wean Park, including The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, and resources to host quality of life events and seasonal programming for residents of our great community. The Community Engagement and Inclusion Coordinator’s primary objectives will be to work directly with community groups, churches, neighborhood associations and downtown businesses to build relationships that results in the identification and production of program, projects and events that resonate with city residents.
About Derrick McDowell:
Derrick McDowell, born in Youngstown Oh and a graduate of Chaney High School, is a passionate creative, activist & entrepreneur. He channels his love for the citizens of Youngstown and his artistic abilities into all of his endeavors throughout this city. His projects include the development of the “We are a Generation” movement, which is a call to action for local communities, and the founding of The Youngstown Flea, which is an outdoor “Market for Makers” focused on acting as a micro-incubator, ecosystem and an economically sustainable platform for side hustles, small businesses and successful brands alike. Derrick is constantly looking for ways to provide value to the lives of everyone he encounters as is evident through his work and attitude. Derrick, whose personal motto is “action over everything,” prefers to focus on change through action and the measurable outcomes through which he believes dreams and goals are achieved.