On Thursday, February 19, the Jefferson Community Collaborative convened at Commonwealth Charter Academy in Homestead for a dynamic conversation centered on the theme “Thinking Forward Together: AI as a Catalyst for Nonprofit Innovation.”
The session invited nonprofit leaders and community partners to explore how artificial intelligence can strengthen their work through individual reflection, collective insight, and human-machine collaboration. Together, participants built a shared understanding of intentional, future-ready thinking practices that can be applied across strategy, programming, and decision-making.
Imagination Catalyst: Creative Thinking for a Complex, AI-Shaped World
Dr. Trisha Gadson, President & CEO of Jefferson Regional Foundation, welcomed attendees and introduced Dr. Jonathan Chapman, Professor and Director of Doctoral Studies at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Design.
Dr. Chapman led an interactive workshop titled “Imagination Catalyst: Creative Thinking for a Complex, AI-Shaped World.” Through hands-on engagement and guided reflection, he encouraged participants to recognize their own creative genius and challenged them to think about thinking, break free from outdated assumptions, and remain open to new possibilities in an increasingly complex world.
Foundation Updates
The meeting continued with Foundation updates:
- Danny Vereb, Community Engagement Manager, shared details about the upcoming July 2026 Conference featuring keynote speaker, Tamara Tunie, a Mon Valley native, alumna of Carnegie Mellon University, & acclaimed actor and philanthropist.
- Cara Ciminillo, Executive Director of Trying Together and a member of the Jefferson Community Collaborative’s Vision Council, shared details about the inaugural Unified Voices Award, which will be presented at the July 2026 Conference. Additional information details about the award’s purpose, eligibility criteria, selection process, and monetary prizes can be found on July 2026 Conference page. She encouraged nonprofit partners to submit their applications via Unified Voices Award Application by the deadline, March 20, 2026.
- Danny Vereb and Isaiah Warfield, Communications Coordinator, provided updates on the Collaborative Message Board, including refreshed Community Rules, an updated Message Board guide, and instructions for adding the Message Board to mobile devices for easier access.
- Dr. Rikell Ford, Casework Supervisor at Allegheny County Department of Human Services, shared information about Safe Space Café is an initiative of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice Action Team for nonprofit partners of the Jefferson Community Collaborative designed to provide an inclusive, trauma-informed space for open dialogue, connection, and shared learning.
The Collaborative continues to serve as a space where nonprofit leaders and community partners come together to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and strengthen civic connections that drive lasting impact.
Save the Date: The next Collaborative Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 9:00–11:30 AM.