In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Wendy Ellis, Assistant Professor of Global Health at George Washington University and Founding Director of the Center for Community Resilience. Together, they explore how resilience science and systems-level thinking can drive lasting change for communities impacted by adversity.
Dr. Ellis shares her groundbreaking Pair of ACEs Framework, which connects adverse childhood experiences to adverse community environments, and discusses how this approach is helping policymakers, educators, and community leaders address root causes rather than symptoms. From innovative school-based partnerships in Portland to the development of an Opportunity Dashboard that measures both social and economic return on community investments, this conversation reveals how data, collaboration, and hope can transform entire neighborhoods.
Whether you're a researcher, policymaker, or community advocate, this episode will inspire you to think bigger about what it means to build truly resilient communities.
🎙 What you’ll learn in this episode:
 • Why resilience science must go beyond individuals and address systems.
 • The power of the Pair of ACEs Framework in reframing public health and policy.
 • How community-driven solutions have produced measurable results in education, healthcare, and economic stability.
 • Why connecting health data with economic outcomes can shift investment and policy decisions.
 • The role of hope, social cohesion, and collaboration in driving lasting change.
Subscribe to Research Renaissance and join us in exploring the science, policy, and community action shaping the future of brain health and resilience. Visit tofflertrust.org for resources and updates.
#ResilienceScience #PublicHealth #PairOfACEs #CommunityResilience #SystemsThinking #SocialImpact #AdverseChildhoodExperiences #HealthEquity #BrainHealth #TraumaInformed #PolicyChange #CommunityHealth #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #CollaborativeLeadership #EconomicMobility #EducationEquity #HealthcareInnovation #DataDrivenPolicy #CommunityDevelopment
To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.
Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.
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