Join us in the PRESIDIO at the House by Edge and Node for the INNOVAT3 Connected Communities Meetup focused on PREVENTION and one of the most promising, evidence-backed models: universal access to civil legal aid.
This gathering will feature an expert panel and collaborative discussion examining:
How legal aid functions as critical preventive infrastructure
Why access to the law can stop crises before they escalate into homelessness
What the data tells us about cost, outcomes, and scalability
How prevention-focused models can reshape how cities allocate resources
With panelists:
Adrian Tirtanadi — Founder & Executive Director, Open Door Legal
Adrian is a nationally recognized leader in civil justice reform and has been at the forefront of building and proving a universal access model that addresses poverty and homelessness upstream — with rigor, transparency, and measurable impact.
Vanessa Russell — Founder & Executive Director, Love Never Fails
Love Never Fails is a Bay Area–based organization dedicated to ending human trafficking and supporting survivors. Vanessa is widely recognized for her expertise in early childhood development and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on long-term vulnerability. Vanessa’s work highlights how unaddressed childhood trauma can predispose individuals to exploitation later in life — and how prevention, healing, and stable community support can interrupt that cycle. Through housing, education, and survivor-centered services, she advances upstream solutions that strengthen families and prevent harm before it begins.
Mfalme Gyvguiatsinataiawaya Mashairi — CEO, Coleman Advocates for Children & Youth
Mfalme is a nonprofit leader, minister, and former athlete serving as CEO of Coleman Advocates for Children & Youth. With more than a decade of experience in fundraising and mental health, and a background in psychology, his work centers on strengthening families and advancing policies that address root causes — helping shift communities from reactive systems to prevention-focused solutions.