Meet Tifinie Capehart
Our Newest Board President
The Civic Design Center would like to formally introduce you to our new board president, Tifinie Capehart. She is a realtor with PARKS, an urban planning consultant and business owner of Tifinie Capehart Consulting and an adjunct professor teaching Urban Studies at Tennessee State University. Tifinie oversees our board of community leaders from the corporate, planning, architecture, development, university, business and nonprofit sectors. Together, they deliver oversight, expertise and guidance to our nonprofit dedicated to helping to envision the future and improve quality of life for all.
“Tifinie has taken leadership of our Board of Directors at an important time for the Civic Design Center and Nashville. While we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year and successes from the past, we are also looking ahead to the next 20 years and how to confront the challenges and successes of our city’s growth.
Tifinie’s inspired concern for the future of the city and its and residents are evident in everything she does. I could not be more thrilled at having the honor of working with her in the coming year – when concerns and need for civic design and community engagement have never been higher.”
Learn About Tifinie
Tifinie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from Tennessee State University and a Master’s of Urban Planning degree from the University of Louisville. Before breaking out on her own in 2014, Tifinie led community planning processes in communities throughout Nashville as a Community Planner with the Metropolitan Nashville Planning Department and was the community engagement lead for NashvilleNext – Nashville’s 25-year comprehensive plan.
Tifinie has been a leader in both community planning and development, giving her a unique understanding of the relationship between the two. With her knowledge across industries, she has been featured on many panels discussing Nashville’s growth. Tifinie is a major supporter of our Neighborhood Assessment Toolkit that was developed through the Shaping the Healthy Community project. The Toolkit gives developers and community members a common way to communicate about their respective neighborhood, and Tifinie has shared the resource with many.
Renata Soto and Tifinie Capehart serving as co-chairs for the Annual Luncheon 2019 with the theme, Socially Conscious Design [Photo by Gary Layda]
Tifinie has been on the board for a number of years, serving as co-chair for our Annual Luncheon event, panelist, Socially Conscious Design lecturer, Vice President, and now Board President! She continues to further her passions and expertise in both professional and personal realms as a core driver, leader and participant in community engagement, housing and affordable planning discussions in our city and region.
WE ASKED TIFINIE…
HOW DID YOU FIND THE CIVIC DESIGN CENTER?
Tifinie credits her career path to a love for cities, urbanity and the arts since being a young child. “I found my way to the Civic Design Center in a professional capacity, and quickly saw how a vision, showing images of before/after or what could be can make people think about their community in a brand-new light. I wanted to become a part of an organization that can inspire and engage the community in that way.”
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT CIVIC DESIGN IN OUR CITY?
I wish people knew how much power we have, as community members, to guide design. I believe NOW is the time for community members to help shape how our communities will look and feel for years to come – especially in terms of our growth and preservation. The Civic Design Center is a GREAT place for people and organizations to learn how they can become more engaged in this important work in this critical time in our city’s development.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON 2021 & BEYOND?
Many of the challenges facing us today feel large and complex. However, I, and the board, challenge community members and organizations to think differently, and moreover to realize that every difference makes a difference– and their unique voices and perspectives matter. I’m honored and humbled to contribute to this exceptional group of leaders, committed donors, and outstanding staff. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the future.
WHAT ARE 3 THINGS YOU WISH PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT CIVIC DESIGN WOULD DO BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR?
Attend Civic Design Center’s 20th Anniversary Virtual Event on Friday, 11/5. You’ll hear the exciting (and it is exciting!) story of how the organization came to be straight from some of the people who brought us into being and have shaped our organization and city so powerfully over the last twenty years. Plus, you’ll meet our esteemed panelists including Mayor Cooper, former Mayor Bill Purcell, founding President Kim Hawkins and CEO Gary Gaston- moderated by writer, Christine Kreyling. A vibrant and inspiring discussion you won’t want to miss!
Become an individual member of the Design Center and get involved! From volunteering with our Design Your Neighborhood youth education program or tactical urbanism initiatives in neighborhoods and sharing your unique voice and perspective.
If you own a business, or work with one who cares about the future of our city, activate, become a sponsor and get engaged in civic design! Attend events and stay up to date on issues that affect quality of life for all in our city. Your support will help make Nashville a better place for all community members-now and for generations to come.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Tifinie will also be a panelist at our 20th Anniversary Luncheon event on Friday, November 5th from 11:30 am-1:00 pm, reflecting on our origin story that is deeply rooted in advocacy efforts of three very dedicated women professionals in Nashville. She will engage with original and current leaders to discuss what is to come for Nashville in the next 20 years.