In this episode, Alexa Seda, an urban planner and creative producer, shares her unique perspective on how the arts, particularly theater and drama, can build empathy and strengthen communities. Alexa discusses her journey of blending her background in public health, urban design, and theater to create holistic approaches to neighborhood revitalization.

Key topics covered include:

• The power of creativity and drama education to develop self-awareness and empathy

• Alexa's work in city planning and how she's integrating arts-based strategies to engage residents

• The importance of reclaiming and strengthening our local communities, starting at the block level

• Alexa's personal experiences growing up in Chicago and how that has shaped her civic-minded approach

• Tips for getting involved in neighborhood planning efforts and connecting with local resources

Whether you're interested in personal development, the arts, urban planning, or building stronger communities, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Alexa's passion for empowering people and her unique interdisciplinary perspective make this a must-listen conversation.

Follow Alexa Seda:

Encore STL - https://www.encorestl.org/

City of St. Louis Planning & Urban Design Agency I Plan STL - https://hub.planstl.com/

Email - [email protected]

IG - https://www.instagram.com/silky.seda/

Encore STL IG - https://www.instagram.com/encorestl/

Resources & Shout Outs

• Audrey Ellerman (Covenant Blu Grand)

• Judith Arnold (Vandeventer)

• Lisa Potts (West End)

• St.Louis Arts Place Initiative - Gravois Jefferson Plan

• Effrem Grettenberger Executive Producer (EncoreSTL Founder)

• Thomas Dunn Learning Center

Key Quotes:

1. "Creativity builds empathy. When you learn how to act, you have to get into your character's shoes and understand their motivations. That skill of empathy then translates to how you interact with people in your real life."

2. "Everything is a stage to me now. Even in my urban planning work, I use theater techniques to bring more engagement and creativity to what could otherwise be boring concepts or presentations."

3. "If we can just take care of each other on our block, fortify those connections, we can start to reclaim and strengthen our communities. It's about honoring the diversity and history of each neighborhood, while also finding our common goals.”

#PersonalDevelopment #CreativeEntrepreneur #UrbanPlanning #CommunityEngagement #TheaterArts #DramaEducation #EmpathyBuilding #NeighborhoodRevitalization #CivicMindedness #PublicHealth #SocialImpact #ArtActivism #StrongerCommunities #BlockByBlock #SelfAwareness #InterdisciplinaryApproach

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