More than two dozen civic visions were pitched as part of the 10th anniversary Accelerate: Citizens Make Change competition on Feb. 22. It was a festival of inspiration, ideas, innovation and impact empowering everyday citizens to create a brighter future for Northeast Ohio.
In addition to the cash prizes, all six finalists receive a spot in the 2024 NEO SEA Change Cohort and a one-year Economic & Community Development Institute membership. The four runner-up finalists receive a voucher for a Flawless Planning Live Workshop, and one presenter receives an Ingenuity Cleveland Impact Award during the Finalist announcement.
MSW/MNO student Nicholas “Moses” Ngong and Luciana Salles pitched “Culture.CLE” to create a curated dining experience that partners with immigrant-owned and operated restaurants. Ngong, who is Cameroonian, and Salles, who is Brazilian, want participants to meet with chefs and learn about their culture while they dine. The pitch was in the Social Change category presented in partnership with Centric Consulting.