Cincinnati Women of Community Development

Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the many strong women who make our community a better place. The women leading at LISC all have our own stories to tell. I’ve been shaped by many influential women, notably my tenacious grandmother who worked as an accountant long before women were accepted in the workplace and my mother who forged a successful career in social work. At LISC, my mentor Kathy Schwab supported my professional growth while encouraging me to prioritize my most important role, mom of my two children. Today, the women I have the pleasure to work alongside in community development provide endless inspiration, camaraderie and fellowship and we’re happy to share some of their reflections below. 

- Kristen Baker

Our contributors for this Q & A session are two of many Cincinnati women who are forging the way in community development in our area. Read on to learn more about Rachel Hastings and Alexis Kidd-Zaffer, and hear their stories of being women leaders in a traditionally male donimated industry. 

Rachel Hastings

Rachel Hastings serves as Price Hill Will’s Executive Director, leading the efforts to improve the quality of life in the Price Hill neighborhoods. Rachel is passionate about helping residents build their skills and make connections to positively impact their neighborhood. Before joining Price Hill Will in August of 2018, Rachel worked at The Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington for twenty-two years, utilizing community engagement, creative placemaking, leadership development, and real estate development to spark community improvements.  When Rachel isn’t building up the community in Price Hill, she is at home in Northside with her husband, David, two teenaged children Isabel and Owen, and their pup Lola.

Alexis Kidd-Zaffer

Alexis Kidd-Zaffer has been volunteering and working in the West End Community for 20 years. She began by tutoring, teaching and directing day camps and afterschool programs throughout the West End and at Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses. Her tenure as Executive Director at the Neighborhood House began in 2015, where she has continued to work tirelessly to improve the lives of West End residents by promoting equity and social justice. Alexis lives in Bond Hill with her husband and two young children, Alexandra and Aristea. Alexis may sleep in Bond Hill, but she lives in the West End!

What do you feel is the importance of women in community development?

Rachel: Women tend to be better active, empathetic listeners - we know that sometimes folks just need to vent and not have a 'solution' presented to them.

Alexis: I believe that women have a tremendous capacity to see and consider all facades of community and the importance of holding those elements in mind when making decisions in community development.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

Rachel: I really enjoy working alongside folks with different backgrounds, motivations, and ideas who care so deeply about this place. I love to help folks find common ground and learn how to get (hard) things done by working together.

Alexis: I love the fact that we get to connect and engage with so many different people across various sectors and areas of interest.

What is your biggest challenge as a woman in a community development role?

Rachel: Though more women are getting involved in construction, it remains a male-dominated field; I'm often the only woman in the room. That being said, I'm very motivated to see the tangible results of community development - parks improved, gardens created, buildings repaired and occupied, homes restored, so I've learned to speak up.

Alexis: The 'old boys' network is still strong in the development world. Breaking into this realm as a woman and a minority requires grit, tough skin, and consistent advocacy and engagement.

How would you encourage women and girls to learn more about opportunities in community development?

Rachel: Many of us see old buildings or overgrown lots and say 'they should do something about that.' I think it's important to know that 'we are the they' and we CAN do the good work to improve our community. 

Alexis: I would share the impact that can be made on a community through development. Community development increases housing opportunities and options; supports the needs of children and families; provides voice and advocacy for the forgotten; allows you to create and collaborate; and make a lasting impact in communities. 

Favorite local women owned business we should check out?

Rachel: I'm a big fan of The Chocolate Bee in Northside - it's a space shared by two women-owned businesses, so you can get handmade chocolate, beeswax candles, and honey all in the same space. Smells like heaven!

Alexis:Blume Community Partners, Cream & Sugar, Just Cookin', WE Art Gallery, Bodied Bootcamp, and Bash are some of my favorite women-owned businesses that make a difference and should be support!