Preserving Democracy: Bridging the Divide Between Rural and Urban America | The Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy

Preserving Democracy: Bridging the Divide Between Rural and Urban America

Jen Giovannitti, President, Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation

Thursday, April 15, 2021 / 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

One of our polarized country’s most pronounced challenges is the growing divide between rural and urban America. It is a gap that includes significant variations in economic opportunities and what can be debilitating disparities in critical modern infrastructure, such as access to high-speed internet. It is a gap that also includes sometimes stark social and political differences. Understanding and effectively addressing this divide is essential for the well-being of our democracy.

Jen Giovannitti is the President of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, a place-based funder dedicated to rural communities. It generally invests two-thirds of its grant dollars in West Virginia and one-third in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining the Benedum Foundation, Ms. Giovannitti led community-based initiatives for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, working both regionally and nationally on issues facing low-income communities and advancing strategies for community investment. Earlier in her career, she lived in West Virginia for 11 years and led a succession of important economic development initiatives.

This lecture is sponsored by:

The Institute of Politics and The Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy.

Thanks to our co-sponsors:

The Benedum Foundation

Pitt Honors College

Pitt School of Social Work

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

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Preserving Democracy: Bridging the Divide Between Rural and Urban America

Governor Thornburgh

The Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy was established in 2007 at the late Dick Thornburgh’s Law School alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh. In conjunction with the Dick Thornburgh Papers held by the University's Hillman Library, the Forum reflects Dick's lifelong work in public service. The Forum is in intended to foster discourse on issues vital to the preservation of our democratic system and the Rule of Law upon which that system depends.  

Special thanks to Chancellor Emeritus Mark Nordenberg who serves as the Director of the Dick Thornburgh Forum who has supported this effort since its inception, as well as to many others who have provided their time and resources and dedication throughout the years.