At this week's Round Table, Emmanuel and Hannah spoke with Isabel Luciano and Serena Prince, whose dedication to empowering communities and advocating for inclusive decision-making processes is truly inspiring.

Isabel Luciano, Director of Training and Curriculum Design, brings a wealth of experience from her tenure as Program Director of the People's Fellowship at the Participatory Budgeting Project. Having worked alongside community members across North America, Isabel has spearheaded initiatives to democratize decision-making by inviting residents to allocate public funds. Her passion for resourcing young people to design their own community engagement and participatory budgeting processes has led to the cultivation of spaces where decisions are made differently, fostering open access to our democracy.

Serena Prince, a Senior and Posse Scholar at Connecticut College, embodies the spirit of youth-led engagement and social change. Inspired by her participation in the Coro Participatory Budgeting youth fellowship, Serena has dedicated herself to exploring the intersections of race, class, education policy, and urban politics. Her commitment to upholding community strength and supporting marginalized populations has been evident through her volunteer work, internships, and mentorship programs.

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the intricacies of participatory democracy, sharing insights gleaned from our guests’ experiences and research. We also further explore the transformative potential of participatory budgeting and other forms of citizen engagement, highlighting the importance of transparent decision-making processes and the role of technology in facilitating inclusive debates.

Furthermore, Isabel and Serena discuss their shared interests in intersectionality, voting rights, housing, and civic engagement, providing nuanced perspectives on the pressing issues facing our society today. Their commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and empowering youth underscores the transformative power of grassroots activism and civic participation. 

Join the movement for inclusive decision-making in your community by volunteering with local organizations. Let's work together to support youth-led initiatives and ensure everyone's voice is heard in policy discussions. Together, we can make a difference! Thank you for listening!

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