Cross-sector partnerships can deepen the impact on complex problems by pooling resources and sharing knowledge. Partnerships can also support innovation with diverse perspectives working together on solutions. Partnerships Officer Sara Coplai presented on a Monthly Connect panel hosted by the NC Office of Strategic Partnerships on March 28 about WNC Bridge Foundation’s experience with cross-sector partnerships. The panel featured speakers involved with partnerships between and among government, research, and philanthropy. We shared the purpose of our respective partnerships, discussed aspects of partnership development, launch, and execution, and talked about how the Learning Forum and other state convenings and opportunities catalyze partnerships that benefit North Carolinians, North Carolina, and beyond.

Panel members included:

Eliza Edwards, Deputy Director, NC Office of Strategic Partnerships
Samantha Mosier, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, East Carolina University
Jenni Owen, Director, NC Office of Strategic Partnerships
Maria Pitre-Martin, Executive Director, SERVE Center, UNC Greensboro
McKinley Wooten, Assistant Secretary for Tax Processing, Research & Equity, NC Department of Revenue

The Office of Strategic Partnerships Monthly Connect is a series of virtual and in-person panel discussions on topics relevant to partnerships among state government, research institutions, including colleges/universities, philanthropy, and others. The series is open to anyone interested in attending. View past panels at https://www.osbm.nc.gov/operational-excellence/nc-office-strategic-partnerships/monthly-connect-series.