The Future of Rural Development Hubs Learning Exchange

Since 2022, Vibrant Hawaiʻi Chief Executive Officer, Janice Ikeda, has served on the Aspen Institute Rural Action Roundtable on Equity (RARE), learning alongside rural community leaders from across the nation. Recently, RARE leadership convened the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group (CSG), bringing together rural community development leaders from across the nation for an in-person learning convening on Rural Development Hubs—organizations that are redefining economic development in rural America.

This learning exchange gave us the invaluable opportunity to gain insights into the impactful work being done in communities nationwide. It’s truly inspiring to see so many individuals across the country prioritizing resilience and growth within our communities.

“Attending the Aspen CSG Summit on Rural Development Hubs reinforced the power of place-based, community-driven solutions. At Vibrant Hawaiʻi, we see ourselves as a Rural Development Hub—connecting people, resources, and knowledge to restore local capacity and strengthen the well-being of our island communities. Through our Resilience Hubs, economic development initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, we are investing in solutions that are rooted in the wisdom and strengths of our people. We are deeply grateful for the work of Aspen CSG in bringing together rural leaders from across the country to share strategies, challenges, and successes. Their commitment to lifting up rural communities affirms the work we do every day to ensure a thriving Hawaiʻi for generations to come," Janice Ikeda, CEO of Vibrant Hawaiʻi.