Nancy Petitto of Lincoln has been named program manager of Collective Impact Lincoln, a local partnership supporting neighborhood community conversations, leadership, and action opportunities to help create a more vibrant and inclusive place to live.
Petitto, who previously worked at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in academic, administrative, and research departments, begins the new role April 16.
A partnership between Civic Nebraska, Nebraska Appleseed, and the South of Downtown Community Development Organization, Collective Impact Lincoln has knocked on more than 1,500 doors since last fall to have conversations about what residents in Lincoln’s oldest neighborhoods like about their community and what they feel needs to be improved. In addition, the coalition is working on policy advocacy to help all Lincolnites address specific issues. Learn more about Collective Impact Lincoln’s initial findings here.
“I am eager to join the vital work of helping to lift Lincoln residents to a better and more just quality of life,” Petitto said. “I look forward to this opportunity to engage in the necessary conversations to create positive change in our communities.”
Collective Impact Lincoln measures residents’ responses through its civic health framework, examining neighborhoods’ social connectedness, confidence in institutions, political involvement, and community engagement.
The coalition is collecting additional data from residents, aiming to knock on 10,000 doors by the end of fall 2018 to continue its research. The group will knock on 30,000 doors in the six neighborhoods by summer 2020. Also, CIL hosts regular Community Builder Workshops for residents to learn about building community through civic action, and to identify assets in their neighborhoods. The next workshop is set for April 14.
Petitto is experienced in event planning, project management, and leadership development initiatives. In her previous role as operations manager at NUtech Ventures, she managed the group’s intern program, collaborated with various internal and external partners, and cultivated team development.
In 2017, Petitto joined the board of directors for GIRLPowR Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls in Lincoln and Nicaragua through educational and leadership programs.
She earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Nebraska U. In her spare time, Petitto enjoys cooking, traveling with her husband Scott, and spending time with their dog Murphy.
