On April 20, 2023, the first Poverty Forum was launched in Greater Washington. Composed of more than 50 individuals from various sectors including Business, Civic Association, Educational Institution, Faith Community, Individual, Nonprofit Organization, Lived Experience, and Philanthropic organizations, these eight Working Groups will work towards ending poverty in the Greater Washington area. The goal is to take a localized approach to poverty reduction and create lasting change through collective and intentional action.

Grounded in data and best practices, Shared Humanity Project Working Groups will implement The National Plan To End Poverty in local areas. Read more about the working groups here.

If you are interested in attending a future forum in your area, please contact us.

Tiera Bratton

Tiera Bratton, of Opportunities for Deserving Children, welcomes attendees at the first Poverty Forum in Greater Washington

Dr. Mark Bergel

Dr. Mark Bergel, co-founder of the Shared Humanity Project introduces the panel of speakers.

Leo Delgado

Leo Delgado talks about growing up in the system and his experience with homelessness and foster care. Today, he works at a nonprofit to help others.

Damaris Ponciano-Jackson

Damaris Ponciano-Jackson shares her experiences as a first-generation Guatemalan immigrant.

Goldie Ross

Goldie Ross completes our panel while speaking about her struggles, challenges, and success found later in life.

Tiffany Green

Tiffany Green (left) shares her passion and her own lived experience.

A highlight reel from our official Instagram account.

"As someone who has battled poverty and overcome life's challenges, I know firsthand how important it is to have a community of support. Through The Shared Humanity Project's Greater Washington Poverty Forum Working Group, we can come together to make a true impact for those who need to be heard and are not ashamed to seek the resources they need. By connecting and networking, we can be a beacon of hope and compassion for those affected by poverty. Let's work together one day at a time to build a brighter future for all."

Panelist Leo Delgado
"On behalf of FCBIA, I was humbled to hear from a remarkable panel of individuals with lived experience and honored to be included in a packed room of involved representatives from a variety of community sectors. I am motivated by this collective engagement to find solutions that will end poverty."

Frederick County Building Industry Association Executive Officer Danielle C. Adams
"Through The Shared Humanity Project, we hope to galvanize all sectors of the economy to start acting to end poverty within their community. We believe that our working groups, grounded in data and best practices, will cultivate positive economic change in regions across the country."

Mark Bergel, the co-founder of The Shared Humanity Project
"The Shared Humanity Project is precisely what our country needs at this time, and it is a noble and honorable cause that we at So What Else are thrilled to participate in. It is crucial that organizations and individuals unite on the ground to effect change and discover commonalities and shared actions. The name itself encapsulates this, and the individuals behind it are all about taking action. The Poverty Forum is an excellent way to bring people together and commence this critical work. You can rely on So What Else to assist and remain a part of this mission for many years to come!"

So What Else Co-founder & Executive Director David Silbert

"On behalf of FCBIA, I was humbled to hear from a remarkable panel of individuals with lived experience and honored to be included in a packed room of involved representatives from a variety of community sectors. I am motivated by this collective engagement to find solutions that will end poverty."

"Through The Shared Humanity Project, we hope to galvanize all sectors of the economy to start acting to end poverty within their community. We believe that our working groups, grounded in data and best practices, will cultivate positive economic change in regions across the country."