LISC's Kevin Jordan named to Aspen Institute's elite corps of economic opportunity advocates

NEW YORK, March 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Kevin Jordan, senior vice president at the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), is one of just 23 people in the country to be named a 2015 Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow—a group chosen for their breakthrough ideas on economic opportunity, education and health that can lift the prospects of low-income families.

"Poverty and inequality are the central economic, political, and moral issues of our time," said Walter Isaacson, CEO of the Aspen Institute. "The Ascend Fellowship is part of the Aspen Institute's commitment to advancing opportunity and equality in America."

At LISC, Jordan leads a dozen national programs focused on driving gains in affordable housing, education, community safety, health and employment in disadvantaged neighborhoods.  He first joined LISC in 2008 to help design, build and lead the organization's national network of Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs).  FOCs take an integrated approach to building the capacity of low-income people to find and hold good jobs, manage their income, build credit and save for the future.

"There is no easy answer to what drives the kind of economic desolation that leaves so many families reeling," said Jordan.  "It really takes a comprehensive approach that looks at what makes up a strong community—from good schools and vibrant businesses to safe streets and decent homes--and then works with residents to achieve it."

This year's class of Ascend Fellows comes from backgrounds in human services, philanthropy, workforce development, health research, and education.  Fellows will contribute their research, experience and ideas to the national conversation on how to tackle crippling economic inequality.

"The Aspen Institute Ascend Fellows are diverse, entrepreneurial leaders implementing bold ideas to change the trajectory of low-income families' lives throughout the U.S.," said Anne Mosle, vice president and executive director of Ascend. "Too many families are struggling, and it is time for a new generation of leaders who have the vision, innovation and drive to develop a portfolio of solutions focused on building an intergenerational cycle of opportunity."

About LISC
LISC combines corporate, government and philanthropic resources to help nonprofit community development corporations revitalize distressed neighborhoods. Since 1980, LISC has invested $13.8 billion to build or rehab 313,400 affordable homes and apartments and develop 51 million square feet of retail, community and educational space. For more, visit www.lisc.org.

Contact: Colleen Mulcahy, for LISC
312-342-8244 or [email protected]

SOURCE LISC

Related Links

http://www.lisc.org