Regina Katz, Program Director at On the Rise Financial Center, helped open the November 6th Virtual Transform Westside Summit with a passionate devotion. Her message, inspired by the story of Nehemiah in The Bible, was well-aimed—Westside residents who have for decades been excluded from economic equity should reap the benefits of the changes occurring on the Westside.

Regina Katz, Program Director, On the Rise Financial Center, speaking with John Ahmann, President & CEO, Westside Future Fund and Ebony Ford, Legacy English Avenue Resident at the Virtual Transform Westside Summit.

Katz reflected on once living in a less than favorable home owned by a slumlord near what is now the corner of Joseph E. Boone Blvd and Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. Today, she is excited for the grand opening of On the Rise’s new office at the Quest Westside Impact Center—the future hub for several Westside-serving nonprofits creating equity for legacy residents being built directly across the street from her childhood home. Just as Nehemiah helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, Katz and On the Rise Financial Center are helping to rebuild a brighter future for legacy Westside residents.

Katz acknowledged key partnerships with Arthur M. Blank Foundation, Equifax, the City of Atlanta, and most importantly, the residents of the Westside, without whom these changes would not be possible.

View Regina Katz’s full devotional message below.