Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis is a multi-hyphenate scholar of American Studies and Africana Studies, Executive Director of the Historic Hill Institute, and founder of Jumpstart Pittsburgh. She most recently served as Director of Community, Arts and Culture for the the Buccini/Pollin Group of the Lower Hill Redevelopment. Dr. Ellis is also the co-founder of the Daisy Wilson Artist Community (now the August Wilson House), and co-designer of Frankie Pace Park. Expanding her work in community development and real estate, she is the owner of Fierce Star Media and Cutler Development and is currently developing the forthcoming Meridian Hostels.