2021 Virtual Leadership Academy & Summit

The 2021 RuralRISE Virtual Leadership Academy & Summit was a two-day convening that drew rural organizational and community leaders from across the country. Programming spanned rural funding, broadband and connectivity, ecosystem building, public policy, board governance, and the role of local media in rural communities.

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr delivered the keynote address on Day 2, focusing on broadband access, the digital divide, 5G deployment, and the infrastructure investment landscape for rural and tribal communities. Day 1 featured a keynote from Dr. Dell Gines of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City on the varied faces of rural America and the importance of cross-sector ecosystem development.

Panel sessions examined innovative rural funding models, federal resources for rural communities, public policy and advocacy strategies for ecosystem builders, and working models for rural impact. A fireside chat explored nonprofit and ecosystem support in rural communities, and additional sessions addressed board development and the value of community broadcasting. 

Speakers and panelists represented organizations including USDA Rural Development, the SBA, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, LISC Rural, the Kauffman Foundation, RCAP, the Appalachian Regional Commission, NetWork Kansas, and the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, among others.