On January 26, the Steelcase Foundation has named Dr. Anissa L. Eddie director of foundation-led initiatives, where she will lead partnerships to influence, drive, and support larger-scale social change to advance systems and policies to improve family well-being. The foundation also announced their formal partnership with ICCF Community Homes, the strategic partner and location host of the Investment in Families Initiative.
“Anissa’s extensive background in early childhood and family policy across sectors and levels of government demonstrates her dedication and knowledge in advancing systems and driving policy change,” said Steelcase Foundation President Dr. Daniel Williams. “As we continue to evolve in the second year of our Investment in Families Initiative, having Anissa join our team is a tremendous asset.”
Prior to joining the Steelcase Foundation, Eddie was a Pritzker Fellow with the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers, as well as a Policy Fellow with the National Black Child Development Institute. Her career has also included roles as a congressional staffer, small business co-founder, and early childhood consultant.
Eddie’s work to advance systems change that supports children and families is informed by both her professional expertise and her lived experience as a mother. She currently serves as a board member of the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health, a gubernatorial appointee to the Executive Committee of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, and a member of Capita’s Advisory Council.
Eddie earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University, with a concentration in child development. She completed her Bachelor of Social Work at Calvin University and earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, with concentrations in community organizing, policy, and evaluation.
Beginning in January, ICCF Community Homes became the host of the Investment in Families Initiative coordinator position and the dedicated Michigan Department of Health and Human Services caseworker, as well as the location host for Initiative programming. ICCF’s housing expertise is also an important resource for the cohort partners participating in the Investment in Families Initiative.
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About Steelcase Foundation
The Steelcase Foundation is committed to creating sustainable, positive change in communities. With a focus on innovative philanthropy and community-driven initiatives, the Foundation aims to drive equitable outcomes and empower individuals and families to thrive. Learn more at www.steelcasefoundation.org.
About the Investment in Families Initiative
The Investment in Families Initiative is a 10-year, $10 million participatory research project with 30 family leaders in Kent County, Michigan. The Initiative will learn from and collaborate with cohort partners to identify systems and policy changes that will better support families’ individual and collective well-being statewide. Learn more at www.steelcasefoundation.org/investment-in-families-initiative.
About ICCF Community Homes
Founded in 1974, ICCF Community Homes is Michigan’s oldest nonprofit provider of affordable housing. Serving more than 2,000 households annually in the Grand Rapids area, ICCF offers a continuum of services including emergency shelter, rental housing management, homeownership education, financial counseling, and newly constructed homes for purchase. Learn more at www.iccf.org.