Episode 33: ThirdSpace Action Lab Episode 2: Community Collaboration

This is the second episode in the podcast series Moving Toward Healing focused on the incredible work of ThirdSpace Action Lab, a racial equity consulting firm based in Cleveland. The series features six episodes exploring the philosophy, strategies, and achievements of this extremely unique and innovative changemaking powerhouse. ThirdSpace Action Lab was launched five years ago and is based in the historically Black neighborhood of Glenville where they also have a café and bookstore. They describe their purpose as follows: “The future of this country’s neighborhoods depends on our collective efforts to transcend the limitations of the popular imagination.” They like to say, imagine if Parliament Funkadelic and McKinsey Consulting had a love child – that is ThirdSpace Action Lab – and they are poised to turn their call for radical imagination into reality. 

In this episode we explore the ThirdSpace approach to community collaboration and we hear from four dynamic young leaders brimming with passion for the creative social impact they are engaged in every day. At ThirdSpace, they are bringing to life modes of collaboration that are boldly authentic and empowering for community members.

Dr. Sherrae Mack currently serves as a Senior Consultant with ThirdSpace Action Lab, drawing on her experience in areas of racial equity, anti-oppression, community engagement, intergenerational change, and community branding. She has a Ph.D. in African American and African Studies and a graduate certification in Urban Education from Michigan State University. Her B.A. is from Tennessee State University in Speech Communications.

Dr. Chavone Nash serves as the Project Director of the Partnership for Equitable + Resilient Communities with ThirdSpace Action Lab and also leads the Cleveland Freedom Dreams Coalition, which focuses on Housing, Civic Infrastructure, Equitable Democracy Building and Economic Development. She obtained her Doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership and Policy at the University of Dayton and she holds a Master's in Urban Studies and Development from University of Akron and a Bachelor's in Political Science from Alabama A&M University. 

Tristen Hall is a Senior Consultant for Digital Media & Storytelling at ThirdSpace Action Lab. Tristen is currently a 4th year PhD candidate at Miami University in Ohio where her research explores how the social networks of students of color impact their attitudes on community and coalition building. Tristen has a Masters in Higher Education and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati.

Evan Green is a Senior Consultant with ThirdSpace Action Lab deploying his experience from a career in higher education, with work focused on intercultural programming and fostering inclusive environments. Evan earned a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, specializing in Black Theology and Black Church Studies.

ThirdSpace Action Lab

The National Initiative on Mixed-Income Communities