Young Leader Spotlight: Jennifer Russell

Meet Jennifer Russell! After graduating from the University of Denver, this metro Atlanta native moved backed home to begin her career. When she isn’t busy at her day job as the marketing administrator for Fortis Engineering Solution, Jennifer is actively involved in ULI. Recently Jennifer was kind enough to spend time on some Q+A for our readers about her life here and what she enjoys most about ULI.

What led you to pursue your career path?

My love for art is equally met by my passion for business. After taking business classes, I was hooked. Marketing just seemed like the natural tie between business and art. I was fortunate enough to be hired by Fortis right after graduating, where I help with the marketing of three different associated companies. It has been a great opportunity to learn while contributing to the collective companies’ goals.

How did you decide to get involved in ULI as a young leader?

I had been to a few ULI events before becoming a member, but I realized I wanted to be part of the Young Leaders Program during Clean-up the Community at Old Fourth Ward. Of course, it was a great way to give back to the community, but mostly it was a way to plug into a unique group. This is when I discovered ULI was not just a place to learn about our industry, it is also a place to have fun and socialize with young like-minded professionals.

What issue is ULI tackling that is of particular importance to you?

ULI’s interest in improving the infrastructure in Atlanta is of particular importance to me. Atlanta is such an amazing place to live, but we could really improve the quality of life in our city if we could solve our transportation issues. It seems to me that public transportation should bring us together, not divide us. I experienced in Denver, first hand, how quality transportation enhances a community.

What would you tell others wanting to get involved as a young leader?

I say do it! It is important to invest in your industry and to give back to the community. Young Leaders is a great vehicle for accomplishing both. Not to mention it is a great way to meet people, even if it is just at a Young Leaders Happy Hour.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work + ULI?

I love creating art. While usually my medium is Acrylic paints, I will take whatever I can get my hands on, and sometimes that results in using just a pen and the top of a to-go box.  Also, going to school in Colorado sealed my love for snowboarding!

EDGEWOOD CORRIDOR

Over the last five years the Edgewood corridor has quietly become one of the hippest places to hang out in Atlanta. Ellen Mendelsohn, Vice President of Economic Development for CAP, says “The Edgewood Corridor is entrepreneurship at its best.  The small business owners have opened inventive restaurants and nightspots in historic structures along an easily walkable street, attracting the most diverse clientele from across theregion.”

It is a favorite area for many YLG members, and for those of you who haven’t checked it out you should. The corridor links Downtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward (and the nearby MLK Historic District) through a series of small businesses, convenience retail, bars + restaurants. April Ashby + Stephanie Espy recently enjoyed their birthday dinner with girlfriends at Café Circa. They choose the corridor because “Cafe Circa has great food and a wonderful ambience. It is in one of the few locations in Atlanta where you can walk around and visit other late night establishments such as Soundtable, as a young professional.”

For more information on Edgewood Corridor (including its history + development), check out this link to an article in Creative Loafing. http://clatl.com/atlanta/atlanta-nightlife-gold/Content?oid=1430445

Or, even better, experience it for yourself… there is a hidden treasure on every block.

Hello world!

To Involvement + Beyond

Hello, ULI Young Leaders! Over the past few months, the Young Leader Group Committee (YLG) has discussed how we as Young Leaders can all be better connected. Weekly update of this page is one of our primary goals and part of this strategy.

On this page you will find spotlights on YLG members,  Q&A with industry leaders, project + city features, and whatever else you, as our members, want to see.