Juliet Stipeche, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board and Director of Human Services at the Houston-Galveston Area Council, joined national leaders in Washington, D.C., to speak on a panel at Smart Cities Connect. The session, “Partnering for Purpose: How Nonprofits and Municipalities Can Collaborate for Smarter Cities,” focused on how community organizations and local governments can work together to address complex challenges facing metropolitan areas.
The discussion examined how nonprofits and municipal teams often operate with limited resources while tackling significant issues. Panelists emphasized that meaningful progress requires creative partnerships that unite the strengths of schools, nonprofits, and city agencies.
One example spotlighted during the session was the collaboration between the Houston Independent School District (HISD), Compudopt, the City of Houston, and other local partners. After identifying gaps in community resources for students, HISD launched its Sunrise Centers to provide families with access to health services, clothing and food support. However, digital connectivity remained a missing link. Compudopt, a national digital opportunity nonprofit, stepped in to support digital literacy classes, help secure resources for an unused community computer lab, and distribute no-cost computers and internet service to families through a $1 million grant with HISD. Together, the partners are working to close the digital divide—an issue that affects nearly 14 million households nationwide.
Panel participants included Marie Arcos, Chief Government Officer at Compudopt (moderator); Megan Steckly, Chief Executive Officer of Compudopt; Juliet Stipeche; and Najah Callander, J.D., Senior Executive Director of External Engagement at HISD. Each brought insight into how cross-sector collaboration can accelerate community impact.
Reflecting on the event, Stipeche underscored the importance of partnership-driven solutions.
“It was an honor to join leaders at Smart Cities Connect to spotlight how collaboration can transform communities. When nonprofits, schools, and local governments come together with purpose, we can close gaps, expand opportunities, and build smarter, more resilient cities for all.”
The session encouraged organizations nationwide to examine the needs within their communities, identify mission-aligned partners, and leverage relationships that can produce lasting and scalable outcomes.
