Rising Star: Heather Liang, North 5th Street Revitalization Project

PACDC recognizes professionals under 40 who work at member organizations—both CDCs and Associate Members. The goal is to encourage young professionals to pursue careers in community development and to provide training and peer-support to enhance their success.

Heather is a passionate, community oriented creative. Heather brings many talents to the North 5th team and Olney community. Heather's talents shined while they navigated the pandemic crisis and uprisings with an energizing commitment to corridor small businesses. The ongoing crisis coincided with significant organizational change including staff transitions, geographic growth, and increased demands. Heather connected corridor businesses with resources and information during a time of great isolation and scarcity. Though the business community was requiring an unprecedented level of support and energy, Heather still found a way to use their role and the corridor to reach the greater Olney community. They contributed to the planning and carrying out of events that provided togetherness and healing for residents.

Heather desires to see a diverse community that is able to sustain and maintain itself. Heather longs for equity across all walks of life. They strive to make information and points of entry accessible for immigrant owned businesses, young people, and those often overlooked by society. Heather strives to achieve these goals through their advocacy work, one on one technical assistance. Heather brings their creative talent to our corridor holiday promotion events. They also intentionally create programs to engage youth at our local libraries.

PACDC congratulates Heather Liang on being recognized as one of PACDC’s Rising Star Winners