Marisa Denker

Marisa Denker is the founder and CEO of public engagement firm Connect the Dots. Connect the Dots grew organically from Marisa’s Fulbright project in Ireland – focused on ‘connecting the dots’ across stakeholders to better address complex urban challenges. After growing the firm in Ireland, Marisa then returned back to the States to start Connect the Dots – USA. The firm now works primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region (based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) where they are known for designing and delivering strategic, innovative and inclusive engagement processes to meet people where they are and ensure community-informed decision making. Connect the Dots specializes in community-informed decision making in large-scale planning, transportation, sustainability, and equitable economic development projects with clients including SEPTA, DVRPC, City of Philadelphia, Jersey City, NJTPA, and many more. Marisa is also an adjunct Professor at the University of Pennsylvania where she teaches a course in Participatory Studies.

Marisa Denker holds an MA in Design Practice from Dublin University (via a Fulbright scholarship) and a BA Urban Studies from University of Pennsylvania.She also co-founded A Playful City, a nonprofit focused on co-creating playful, inclusive public spaces for people of all ages, especially youth. Marisa’s publications include ‘Lessons from Transportation Planners’ Pivot to Virtual Engagement’ in the APA National Planning Magazine as well as ‘Community Engagement Can’t Be a Checklist’ in Shelterforce community development magazine.