Written by Isabella Jaramillo
A New Beginning in Gainesville
As a college freshman [in 2021], Rhiannon, like many others, felt a desire to explore, grow, and prove something to herself. New to the Gainesville community, she wanted to make a difference, inspired by her father.
She shared that volunteering transformed her father’s life after his release from prison. He became someone his community needed and trusted, later receiving an award for his work as a community pillar.
Rhiannon has always been moved by her father’s story and wanted to see for herself how she could contribute to her new community.
Discovering Florida Community Innovation
Rhiannon came across Florida Community Innovation (FCI), an organization that seeks to combine technology with advocacy to tackle social issues affecting communities across Florida.
FCI employs a grassroots approach to its work, recruiting young people as its foundation and key drivers of change.
The organization addresses a range of issues, including human trafficking, gentrification [a process in which rising housing costs and new development can displace long-term residents and change the character of neighborhoods], and sustainability, while also shedding light on Florida’s history.
FCI works to bridge the gap between Floridians and their communities by building technological resources that educate everyday citizens about pressing local issues.
Learning Through Internship Work
FCI’s combination of technology and advocacy intrigued Rhiannon, as she was already drawn to public policy and civic technology. As an intern [she joined FCI during her freshman year], Rhiannon was immersed in FCI’s work, where interns played an active role.
She began with behind-the-scenes tasks such as editing blog posts and reviewing applications for recruits. Like other interns, she was also challenged to pitch ideas for new projects. This process encourages volunteers and interns to observe their communities and identify areas where FCI can create change.
Addressing Gentrification in Gainesville
Rhiannon identified the effects of gentrification in Gainesville, a city rich in resources, including the University of Florida. However, residents’ experiences and access to healthcare, food, and transportation varied depending on whether they lived in east or west Gainesville. She pitched the idea of creating a resource to track the development of gentrification.
At the start of the project, she compiled existing research, built relationships with residents, and educated university students on being good neighbors. She learned that gentrification is a complex issue to address, but that bringing awareness to it is an important first step.
Managing Projects and Mentoring Interns
As her journey with FCI continued, Rhiannon felt she was making an impact, though her work did not come without challenges. Even with enough people to get projects started, progress was often slow. Projects could take months and involve multiple cohorts of interns coming and going.
Part of Rhiannon’s role was determining new interns’ strengths and areas for growth so they could be placed where they would best contribute. Paying attention to where mistakes were being made and learning to meet people where they were became central to her work.
Finding Balance and Advocating for Herself
On a personal level, balancing school, involvement, and a social life proved challenging. Rhiannon struggled to ask for extensions and often pushed important deadlines aside. Over time, she realized something had to change.
She learned to advocate for herself and found that through vulnerability, she was met with understanding from fellow interns, mentors, and supervisors. She became more comfortable asking for extensions and felt grateful to be part of an organization that gave her the space she needed to work toward balance.
From Intern to Project Manager
During her time at FCI, Rhiannon started as an intern and worked her way up to project manager. She is grateful to FCI for trusting her, giving her responsibility from the start, and recognizing the solutions she brought forward.
For her, it has been rewarding to see projects move from ideas into collaborative efforts involving experts, interns, volunteers, and residents. She believes that while FCI is a tech-led organization, its heart lies in building relationships with the community.
Launching the Gentrification Risk Assessment Tool (GRAT)
Bringing awareness to issues such as gentrification is no easy task, particularly through the launch of the Gentrification Risk Assessment Tool (GRAT). Rhiannon continues to add new data, analyze changing trends, and find innovative ways to raise awareness of the tool.
When asked how her work on GRAT has impacted the community, she shared that while the tool is not a solution in itself, it represents a beginning.
The Power of Community
Rhiannon has learned that social change does not happen overnight and that there is power in first addressing an issue and starting conversations within a community. When addressing gentrification in Gainesville, Rhiannon believes a strong starting point is helping to establish a sense of community.
In her view, university students benefit from learning about the Gainesville community and taking initiative beyond campus, whether by attending FCI events, visiting farmers’ markets, listening to residents’ stories, or supporting local businesses outside the university bubble.
She now believes the key to moving forward is community. Building it takes time, just as the work at FCI is ongoing and never truly finished.
Rhiannon O’Donnell now serves as a board member of Florida Community Innovation (FCI).
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