Building on what is already there

For years, Veronica Womack, PhD, has worked to advance economic development across Alabama's Black Belt by connecting communities, local assets, and new opportunities for growth. PIN partnered with 2150 Innovate and Dr. Womack, PIN's Emerging Innovator Partner of the Year, to launch two digital placemaking projects in Greenville.

PIN Intern Taylor Thicklin worked with Dr. Womack to document Greenville's history through digital storytelling, creating materials that support preservation, education, and future economic development. PIN Intern Neziah Burrell supported Butler Gardens, a local event venue, through website development, digital marketing, community outreach, and event support.

The projects also brought residents, community leaders, interns, and partners together to explore Greenville's future and identify opportunities for continued collaboration.

“PIN helped bring the right people into the same room around Greenville's future. That meeting would not have happened without PIN, and the connections made there are ones we can continue building on.”—Dr. Veronica Womack

Together, these efforts are helping lay the foundation for growth in local entrepreneurship and startups. They also reflect PIN's growing partnerships in Alabama, building on local leadership and creating new opportunities for innovation and community development across the region.

Source: PIN 2026 Impact Report, pages 14–15.