Fireside Chat: Transforming Communities – The East Lake Story

Join us for an inspiring Fireside Chat featuring Illy Askia, President & CEO of the East Lake Foundation, and Shannon Longino, Senior Vice President at Truist Bank. Together, they will share the remarkable journey of revitalizing the East Lake neighborhood in Atlanta, GA, and the lasting impact it has had on families, housing, and economic opportunity.

Founded in 1995, the East Lake Foundation was created to break the cycle of poverty and build a thriving, mixed-income community through comprehensive programming in housing, cradle-to-college education, community wellness, and economic vitality. Today, it stands as a national model for holistic neighborhood revitalization, inspiring similar transformations across the country.

Shannon Longino brings over 30 years of expertise in Affordable Housing, Multi-Family, Property Management, and Asset Management Leadership, currently serving as Senior Vice President with Truist Bank’s Affordable Housing Finance/Asset Management Division (Truist Community Capital). Her insights into the financial and structural components of community redevelopment will provide a powerful perspective on how public-private partnerships drive long-term success.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from two visionary leaders about the challenges, successes, and future of community transformation—and gain valuable lessons that can be applied to your own work in creating lasting change!