Meet Our Trustee: Jennifer Griffin
Usually, architects are tasked with creating places where function is the priority. For our board member, and Tulsa Development Authority Commissioner, Jennifer Griffin, her passion lies in determining how new developments in Tulsa can yield not only economic benefits, but also create places with social, environmental, and human health benefits for all.
Q: Why do you serve on the PartnerTulsa board?
As an urban designer and architect, my work focuses heavily on how the physical design of our cities, towns, and neighborhoods has a huge effect on the ability of all members of a community to thrive. Likewise, PartnerTulsa’s core focus is on creating opportunities for all to flourish. That said, sometimes certain economic developments sound good on paper, but the physical results of the development can have unforeseen negative effects on existing or future residents. As a board member, I love helping PartnerTulsa think strategically about how development can yield not only economic benefits, but also create places with social, environmental, and human health benefits for all.
Q: What current PartnerTulsa project are you most excited about?
In just over a year since its formation, PartnerTulsa has done an incredible job bringing in some massive economic development projects and grant dollars to support our local community. That said, as a female, small-business owner and urban designer, I get most excited about the work we do investing in our local neighborhoods and supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses. This work doesn’t always make it to the front page of the newspaper, but it has a huge impact locally. It includes everything from supporting local community members in the revitalization of their own neighborhoods and in the development of quality affordable infill housing to collaborating with organizations like TEDC in the development of their Greenwood Entrepreneurship Incubator @ Moton (GEIM) in North Tulsa. Tulsa has an incredible amount of talented young residents that have a sincere desire to do good, and I look forward to PartnerTulsa continuing to grow in its capacity to support these individuals for the benefit of us all.
Q: What is your vision for Tulsa?
I wish for Tulsa to continue to grow as a city that is welcoming to all – a truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive place. A place where our kids want to stay and raise their own families. A place where everyone can grow and thrive.