Christine Edwards is a civic firebrand that has immersed herself in the art of helping urban communities reach their highest levels of growth, empowerment, and success.A communicator by profession, leader by vocation and entrepreneur by passion, Christine’s work involves using her voice to foster civically engaged communities through collaboration, partnership and digital communication. Embodying the essence of her core message, she founded Civility Localized (formerly known as Amplify Charlotte), which delivers community engagement outreach services, data collection and analysis, and resources for small businesses pursuing local government contracts. Christine has worked alongside numerous local organizations to effectively tackle all forms of social, racial and economic issues including racial equity in government, the digital divide, and affordable housing. She previously served as Community Relations Coordinator for Mecklenburg County and has also served as Director for Community Programs at the James L. Knight School of Communication at Queen's University of Charlotte, where she oversaw and championed community organizing through the use of everyday digital tools. Christine also served in several roles in local government including Charlotte Water, the City of Charlotte Manager's Office and the Office of Neighborhood and Housing Services. A long-time Charlottean and graduate of UNC Charlotte & UNC Greensboro, Christine’s Public Administration and Urban Management education coupled with her dynamic skillset have allowed her to expand her focus into other capacities including project management, capacity-building initiatives, and digital communication, and now leading a team of community engagement professionals in her company. When she’s not serving her community, Christine can be found exploring the world through travel, enjoying Southern foods, or nurturing her love for policy theory by watching it play out in everyday life.