Paula Ellis Biography

President and CEO Alberto Ibargüen arrived at Knight in 2005 and I joined the team in 2006, following rewarding but tough years striving to keep the dramatically changing newspaper industry focused on the idea of community. Our predecessors at Knight, in building a relatively new foundation INTENT on having national impact, had already seen the power Living Cities’ investments had to leverage major funding for housing and community development in 23 U.S. cities. With interests in the well-being of 26 communities, we at Knight remained committed to the Living Cities mission, but were eager for more innovation and a greater impact on urban America—if not a full-on transformation of millions of lives.

On Aug. 29 that year, Hurricane Katrina slammed the upper Gulf Coast. While national attention focused on New Orleans, Alberto knew that Biloxi and 10 other Mississippi coastal communities might get overlooked.

Knight’s immediate $1 million commitment to disaster recovery soon turned into more than $10 million for the region—and included unprecedented involvement from Living Cities.

Within weeks, we and our partners convened a series of charrettes—citizen-led visioning exercises—to devise a plan for their cities’ future. Living Cities joined the effort in East Biloxi, a neighborhood similar to New Orleans’ Ninth Ward: low-lying, flood-prone, full of families who’d owned their homes for generations.

As a renowned expert and highly sought-after speaker, Paula Ellis's expertise is in high demand. To book Paula Ellis for your next event, conference, or workshop, please contact our speaker booking agency. Our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and help secure Paula Ellis's participation. With our professional guidance and seamless booking process, you can ensure a memorable and impactful experience for your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to engage your audience with Paula Ellis's compelling insights and inspire positive change within your organization. Fill out the booking request form to take the first step in securing Paula Ellis for your next speaking engagement.