KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Julianna Dodson, a familiar name in the Monadnock Region’s entrepreneurial and community development circles, recently returned from a national gathering in Washington, D.C. focused on the future of rural America.

Dodson, Executive Director of the Hannah Grimes Center and a leading voice behind the Radically Rural network, was among 50 community leaders from across the country invited to participate in a convening hosted by the Aspen Institute’s Community Strategies Group, according to a news release. The meeting brought together a diverse group of rural changemakers to discuss strategies for building stronger, more resilient communities through collaborative, place-based approaches.

As part of her commitment to sharing knowledge and strengthening local networks, Dodson will host a public forum Thursday, April 18, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hannah Grimes Center. Attendees can expect to hear about the takeaways from the Aspen Institute gathering, including insights into how rural organizations like Hannah Grimes can act as connectors and catalysts for regional development. The event is open to all, with no registration required.

The Aspen Institute’s concept of “Rural Development Hubs” describes organizations that serve as regional anchors, helping to grow local wealth by connecting people, fostering collaboration, and addressing systemic challenges, the release said. The Hannah Grimes Center, based in Keene, fits that model—and is increasingly recognized for its role in helping rural communities thrive.

In addition to her work at Hannah Grimes, Dodson has steered the Radically Rural initiative for the past four years, helping to link grassroots leaders across the U.S. who are eager to share strategies and resources that can strengthen small communities nationwide.

The Aspen Institute’s convening also served as a touchpoint for reexamining its 2019 report on Rural Development Hubs, with discussions aimed at informing philanthropic and policy decisions that could bolster the work of these local connectors.

“As I consider all of the incredible organizations, individuals, and group efforts in our area who are working regionally, building trust, filling gaps, and all of the other characteristics described in the report, it strikes me that HGC may be better described as just one node in an expansive web,” Dodson said in the release. We are all weaving our endeavors together to strengthen and support our community. I look forward to taking what I learned and sharing it so that we can all continue to work together for the vitality of all.”