By pursuing shared aspirations, we can strengthen ourselves and our communities. In this Discover DeSoto podcast, Alicia Exantus, Community Engagement Specialist with The Patterson Foundation,  interviews Cheri Coryea, the Initiative Lead for DeSoto County Ahead, to discuss the incredible work being done to strengthen the community. Cheri shares her insights on how collaboration, participation, and shared goals are driving meaningful change in DeSoto County. 

Key Podcast Themes

• Strengthening Communities Through Shared Aspirations
• Highlighting DeSoto County’s Stories
• Promoting Learning, Engagement, and Action
• Empowering Local Voices and Leadership
• Building Resilience Through Collaboration

Timestamps 

• 01:25 - DeSoto County Ahead in DeSoto County in 2022: “Discovery” 
• 02:24 - Community Conversations start in DeSoto County 
• 04:33 - DeSoto County Ahead in DeSoto County in 2023: “Engagement”  
• 07:14 - Themes arise from Community Conversations 
• 08:33 - DeSoto County Ahead in DeSoto County in 2024: “Evolving”  
• 12:15 -DeSoto Digest Newsletter Begins and DeSoto Residents become Involved 
• 15:31- Other Local Foundations are Involved in DeSoto County
• 17:28 -DeSoto Digest Newsletter: QR Code to Sign Up 
• 21:13 - The Patterson Foundation engages with The Harwood Institute in DeSoto County
• 21:47 - DeSoto County Public Capital Report Published 
• 22:42 -DeSoto County Public Capital Report: QR Code to View 
• 23:00 - DeSoto County Ahead in DeSoto County at the end of 2024 and going into 2025: “Anticipation”  
• 24:10 - DeSoto Community Update Event; Moves to 2025 and is a great success! 
• 27:45 - The Patterson Foundations' “Pay It Forward” Awards and their impact during the DeSoto Community Update Event
• 29:33 - DeSoto County Ahead in DeSoto County in early 2025 introduces a new theme: “Building Our Future With Every Voice”
• 30:35 - Harwood Public Innovators Lab takes place with over 60 DeSoto County Leaders
• 31:00 - If someone wants to get involved in DeSoto County, Here is how! 
• 32:20 -Cheri’s favorite “Discover DeSoto” highlight: Main Street and Downtown DeSoto

Links to Learn More

• DeSoto County Ahead
• DeSoto Digest Newsletter
• Public Capital Report- DeSoto County Coming Together: Unleashing the Communities Potential
• VIDEO:Public Capital Report- DeSoto County Coming Together: Unleashing the Communities Potential
• VIDEO: DeSoto County Ahead: Building Our Future with Every Voice

Connect Beyond The Blog
Join Cheri Coryea  on Twitter: @ccoryeatpf

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