QUINTEL GWINN

In search of a vibrant city with a rich and diverse culture, Quintel relocated to Charlotte where she practices as a designer, urbanist, and social innovator. With over a decade of field experience in interior architecture and design, her goal is to address social challenges through creative transformation of places, systems, and communities. In addition to her practice work, Quintel is an arts and design community advocate. Her activism explores the intersection of social impact, cultural sustainability, and community engagement with a focus on developing resources for underserved neighborhoods. She loves collaboration and is excited to create in the city with you!

QUINTEL'S PROJECT MENTOR:
Alysia Osborne, AICP, Director of Historic West End, Charlotte Center City Partners

2018 FELLOW PROJECT:
PROJECT PLACE

Activating neighborhood youth to contribute to building a healthy community.  

Residents of the Lakewood community face many challenges related to low income levels, crime, disconnect to city and poor neighborhood physical appearance. I attended community meetings and led art-based activities to engage the community. Doing so allowed me to serve as an advocate for the Lakewood community and bridge relationships to secure resources. Stakeholders and organizations that were drawn to the community through the work were able to provide additional funding, training and resources to further support the residents. Instead of us painting over a cracked and damaged basketball court as my initial project proposal suggested and limited funding would allow, Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with Lowe’s, agreed to provide $20,000 of funding to have the court fully resurfaced. I was asked to join the Board of the Lakewood Neighborhood Alliance as a voting member and in the role of Arts & Culture Community Advocate. I’m excited to accept this role and adopt the Lakewood neighborhood as a place where I can continue this work.