Project for Pride in Living competitors

Deidre Schmidt is a President and Chief Executive Officer at Commonbond Communities and is based in Topeka, Kansas.

Miguel A. Meléndez Jr. is a Rochester native with significant experience in community development and grassroots organizing. Professionally, Miguel is the Chief Community Engagement officer at Ibero-American Action League, sharing his time and talents to improve planning efforts, create partnerships, enhance case management services, and support residents in their quest to improve quality of life in their neighborhoods. Miguel has an extensive background in Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), organizing various efforts by building on community strengths. He has the proven ability to address community concerns and has worked collaboratively to improve the built environment, safety, access to food, neighborhood play, and other essential health supporting activities. In the community, Miguel can be seen organizing, leveraging, and advocating with residents. Miguel has led various efforts of the Ibero-American Development Corporation such as Project HOPE (Healthy Outcomes through Participation, Education & Empowerment) addressing the social determinants of health and Project CLEAN (Community, Law Enforcement & Assistance Network), a Department of Justice funded effort to tackle the opioid epidemic in Rochester. In 2016, the El Camino Revitalization Area Charrette & Vision Plan was developed under Miguel’s leadership, creating a visionary roadmap for the El Camino neighborhood. Since that time, exciting projects have emerged, such as the LaMarketa at the International Plaza project, upgrades to Don Samuel Torres Park, and the Pueblo Nuevo housing project. Miguel is a product of the Rochester City School District and a graduate of East High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in philosophy at St. John Fisher College. He is a husband, father of three, and a proud Northeast Rochester resident. Miguel enjoys spending time with his family and finding other ways to serve his community through various boards and volunteer opportunities.

Fred Safstrom is a Chief Executive Officer at HOUSING HOPE and is based in United States.