PORTLAND IMPACT Conferences — The STRIVE Initiative proudly represented Pottstown on a national stage this September, attending the four-day MPACT Transit + Community Conference in Portland, Oregon. David Charles, STRIVE Co-Founder and CEO, participated as an official Pottstown delegate, joining planners, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates from across the country to explore how transportation, equity, and community-centered development intersect. The conference provided space for learning, collaboration, and sharing best practices that can be brought back to Pottstown as the community continues to plan for inclusive growth and expanded access to opportunity.
STRIVE’s presence went beyond attendance. STRIVE students and staff, who previously participated in the 2024 MPACT Conference, were highlighted for their powerful contributions to the event. Students performed live during a STRIVE Talk in the main ballroom, showcasing their talents through music and multimedia, while also hosting a conference reception with a live DJ set and event photography. Their leadership, professionalism, and creativity demonstrated how young people can meaningfully contribute to national conversations when given the platform and support to do so. It was a clear example of STRIVE’s mission in action, youth not just attending, but leading and shaping the experience.
The importance of STRIVE’s continued involvement in MPACT is deeply connected to its broader vision for students and the Pottstown community. Conversations at the conference emphasized equitable transportation, including passenger rail access, as a gateway to education, jobs, cultural experiences, and economic mobility. For STRIVE, this aligns with creating real-world opportunities for students to explore beyond their neighborhoods, ride the train, connect to regional hubs, and imagine broader futures. By participating in MPACT, STRIVE is helping ensure that youth voices are part of planning discussions today, so that tomorrow’s transportation systems and community investments truly serve the next generation.
