Social Entrepreneur Spotlight: Adriana Abizadeh of the Kensington Corridor Trust
The Kensington Corridor Trust (KCT), an alum of New Profit’s Economic Mobility Catalyze cohort, leads equitable economic revitalization along Kensington Avenue—a commercial corridor in Philadelphia—and its surrounding neighborhoods through local partnerships, strategic programming, and an innovative model that transitions real estate assets out of the speculative private market. KCT focuses on enhancing cleanliness and safety, supporting businesses that serve community needs, and expanding job opportunities.
To bring us closer to KCT’s mission and impact, Executive Director Adriana Abizadeh shares insights into how community leadership, wellness, and collective decision-making drive lasting, inclusive change.
Q: What do you wish more people knew about the issue your organization is working to address?
A: About the challenges of working to solve the systemic nature of displacement and disinvestment in neighborhoods like Kensington. This isn’t just a story of individual properties or struggling businesses —it’s a broader issue of structural inequities, predatory practices, and a lack of community control over local assets. By addressing these root causes through a neighborhood trust model, residents steward their own neighborhood’s future and ensure that revitalization benefits those who have long called Kensington home.
Q: What has been the most fulfilling part of the work that you do?
A: Witnessing the beauty of local decision-making, ownership, and control. Whether it’s seeing residents actively participate in decisions about neighborhood assets, supporting local entrepreneurs in revitalized spaces, or celebrating milestones like the opening of a new business, each success represents the power of collective ownership and stewardship. Knowing that we are helping to create a sustainable and inclusive future where the community has real ownership and agency over its destiny is deeply rewarding.
Q: Does your organization have any practices, resources, or advice that help to preserve or promote the mental health of your staff or others in your community?
A: At the KCT, we recognize the importance of mental health and self-care, especially for individuals working in service of others. One of our most impactful practices is taking a month of reflection every February, inspired by our partners at the Boston Ujima Project. During this time, we pause external meetings to focus inward, reviewing our strategic plan, setting goals for the year, and engaging in wellness activities as a team, such as yoga sessions and nature hikes. This dedicated period helps us recharge and realign as a group.
Additionally, we offer other supportive policies like summer Fridays, unlimited PTO, and $5,000 per year in professional development funds for each staff member. These practices ensure that our team has the time and resources to invest in their well-being and growth, which ultimately strengthens our collective ability to serve the Kensington community. For others in the field, we recommend building similar intentional pauses and wellness opportunities into organizational culture to prevent burnout.
Q: How has your community or the people you serve influenced the direction of your organization’s work?
A: Letting those most impacted lead the work. This means ensuring that individuals and communities—especially those historically marginalized—have real ownership and agency over their lives, resources, and futures. By addressing systemic inequities and investing in locally-driven solutions, we can build a world that values collaboration, equity, and sustainability.
At the Kensington Corridor Trust, we believe this starts with listening to those directly impacted, centering their voices, and co-creating solutions that align with their visions for their communities. Change happens most effectively when it is grounded in trust, shared responsibility, and the belief in the inherent power of people to shape their destinies.
To learn more about the Kensington Corridor Trust, visit kctphilly.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on their work and impact.