Our Pillars
Convening
Future Civics brings together local leaders, government officials, researchers, and the private sector through forums, workshops, and retreats designed to spark meaningful dialogue. These spaces encourage the exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices across sectors. By fostering open communication, we help identify solutions that address the unique challenges facing rural and isolated communities.
Research & Advocacy
Future Civics uses research and advocacy to uncover the data and insights needed to drive informed, community-centered decisions. Through in-depth studies, we identify the unique needs, strengths, and opportunities within rural and isolated communities. This work ensures our initiatives are not only grounded in evidence but tailored for real, lasting impact.
Social Incubation
Future Civics supports local innovation through social incubation, providing entrepreneurs and social enterprises with the mentorship, resources, and funding they need to thrive. We help community-led solutions take root by focusing on challenges like healthcare, education, and economic development. This approach drives sustainable growth from within, empowering rural and isolated communities to shape their own futures.
Who We Are
Kjeld Mizpah (KJ) Conyers-Steede
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Kjeld Mizpah (KJ) Conyers-Steede is the founder of Future Civics, dedicated to advancing social innovation, civic engagement, and community-driven development. With a focus on rural and isolated communities, KJ brings a hands-on, collaborative approach to building sustainable growth and resilience. His work bridges sectors and people to create a more connected, empowered future.
Francisco Cruzalegui
Board Director (Innovation)
Francisco Cruzalegui is a seasoned supply chain professional with nearly two decades of experience in strategic sourcing, logistics, and inventory management. He brings a strong focus on sustainability and responsible economic practices to every project he leads. As a board member of Future Civics, Francisco supports our mission by helping rural and isolated communities build resilient, environmentally conscious local economies.
Jenny Edwards
Board Director (Marketing)
Jenny Edwards is a marketing strategist with over a decade of experience across home sustainability, ag-tech, and consumer goods. She has worked with organizations like BioNB, buildwithrise.com, and Climative, bringing a deep understanding of rural economic development and sustainable living. As a board member of Future Civics, Jenny applies her expertise in content marketing and audience building to help grow our mission of creating resilient, inclusive communities.
Rooted in Culture, Ready for the Future
Rural and isolated communities are vital to our broader economy and culture, yet they face challenges that often go overlooked. Future Civics exists to help these communities harness their strengths, grow on their own terms, and stay connected to new opportunities, without losing the identity that makes them unique.
Linking Local Strengths, Building Shared Prosperity
Future Civics aims to build a thriving network of rural and isolated communities by fostering connection, resilience, and sustainable growth. We support local community, municipal, and emerging leaders with the tools, partnerships, and innovative financing needed to transform their communities into vibrant cultural and economic hubs.
Donate
today
Your Contribution Makes a Difference
At Future Civics, every donation, whether big or small, helps us continue to make a significant impact in local communities. Your support enables us to build uniquely wonderful partnerships, fund ideas that make accountants nervous (in a good way), and bring rural innovation to life without compromising our values to big-box thinking.
Give a little, spark a lot, because change doesn’t have to be boring, and neither do you.