Advocating for evidence on Capitol Hill
LEO Co-founder Jim Sullivan and Managing Director Heather Reynolds were both invited to testify before Congressional committees this spring. Jim testified at the House Ways and Means Committee hearing on “Health Profession Opportunity Grants: Past Successes and Future Uses,” sharing what LEO has learned about the effectiveness of wrap-around case management to lift families out of poverty. Heather testified at a House Committee on Rules hearing on “Ending Hunger in America: Challenges, Opportunities, and Building the Political Will to Succeed.” Her remarks included advocacy for evidence-backed solutions to hunger that take into account the full complexities of poverty.
Making it to graduation day
Our researchers weighed in with Brookings on a promising approach to improving student outcomes at community colleges. Learn more about how supportive services for students can help them persist through school and sets them up for future career success at brook.gs/3fM521G.
A partnership for impact
Atlanta, Georgia has long had a place in U.S. history books--the 1830’s railroad city is the birthplace of MLK Jr. and was home to Margaret Mitchell as she wrote “Gone with the Wind.” Today, Atlanta is a vibrant city with a diverse population and the busiest passenger airport in the world. And now, Atlanta is creating a new legacy in partnership with LEO.
A new class of undergraduate Research Assistants support LEO’s work
Fourteen Notre Dame undergrad students are engaged in internships with LEO this summer. They are contributing to every aspect of our operations, including project development, research operations, statistical modeling, data planning, dissemination, marketing and communication, and administration. These students provide critical support and gain significant experience while working as part of our team. Their high level of involvement with LEO prepares them to be the next generation of scholars and leaders who will apply rigorous research methods to solve some of our world’s most pressing problems.
Our work towards our commitment
A year ago, LEO released a statement about our commitment to reduce poverty, support families, and empower communities that have been oppressed by systemic racism in America. We acknowledged that we must first challenge ourselves and address the disparities within our own team and in the larger economics profession, and formed a working group to move us to action. Part of our internal work has involved learning from academic and lived-experience experts who teach about issues of racism and racial justice.
We are fortunate that some of these teachers are among our service provider partners. Dr. Karla McCullough, Executive Director of the Juanita Sims Doty Foundation, researches and teaches about creating racial justice. She recently facilitated a teaching and discussion session for the LEO team on the dehumanization cycle and racialized trauma. We are grateful to learn from Karla and her expertise.