Foundation Presents at the Carnegie Mellon University Heinz Capstone with the Strong Cities Network

The Foundation for a Path Forward recently participated in an insightful session at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College, as part of a graduate-level capstone project in collaboration with Strong Cities and former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. This initiative focused on developing local hate prevention frameworks for cities across the country, with a particular emphasis on the role of community-based organizations in countering hate on college campuses.

Bill Peduto, a Senior Adviser to the Strong Cities Network and a Distinguished Executive in Residence at Carnegie Mellon University, played a key role in guiding the discussion. With his extensive experience as the 60th Mayor of Pittsburgh and his background in public policy and political consulting, he provided valuable insights into policy-driven approaches to hate prevention. The session underscored the importance of collaboration between policymakers, academic institutions, and grassroots organizations in addressing the rise of hate and extremism in local communities.

The Foundation for a Path Forward shared its expertise in community-led hate prevention, drawing from its work in fostering social cohesion and resilience in diverse communities. The discussion highlighted the importance of proactive engagement, digital literacy, and support systems for students facing discrimination and online harassment. Through its participation, the Foundation reinforced the need for sustainable strategies that empower students, faculty, and community members to take an active role in countering hate on campus and beyond.

The session provided a valuable platform for students and experts to exchange ideas on practical solutions to hate prevention. As the project at Heinz College continues to evolve, the insights from this discussion will contribute to the development of frameworks that cities and institutions can adopt to create safer, more inclusive environments. The Foundation for a Path Forward remains committed to supporting these efforts and looks forward to continued collaboration with Strong Cities and Carnegie Mellon University.