StarSpace46 Chats with Maurianna Adams of Progress OKC

In the inaugural episode of our new series, StarSpace46 Chats, Jeff Yenzer speaks with local leader Maurianna Adams about the importance of urban happiness, community development, and economic inclusion. 

Adams has over nine years of public service experience, working to revitalize resilient communities through research, policy, innovation, cultural best practices, and partnerships. As Executive Director at Progress OKC, she forms public-private partnerships and broad cross-sector coordination to strengthen the organization’s brand and mission.

During their chat, Yenzer and Adams discussed some of the challenges that are unique to the Oklahoma City Metro. 

“I always like to say that we want to be a good neighbor,” Adams says of Progress OKC.  “We serve many communities and prioritize those that are underserved so that we can strengthen their social and economic fabric which we know makes for an even greater Oklahoma City for all of us.”

They also talked about the important relationship between public and private institutions. 

“When you think about some of these challenges and opportunities, you think about, ‘What is the vehicle that can really steer us into creating solutions for these problems?” Adams explained. “Community Development Corporations have historically been a vehicle to bring partners together in government, in public health, in the public and private sector. [Community Development Corporations] really think through some of those solutions and ways that are sustainable and impactful. Effective, but also really take into consideration the different facets of our community as it relates to diversity in culture.”

Watch the entire interview to find out more about the mission of Progress OKC, and how entrepreneurs and the business community can help.