Tanya Varanelli graduated with the Civic Impact Academy’s Second Cohort in December, 2025.

Here’s a look at their Community Design Challenge:

GardHouse Talent Pipeline Initiative

The GardHouse Talent Pipeline Initiative is Tanya Varanelli's effort to eliminate systemic barriers that underserved college students face as they transition from higher education to meaningful careers. By expanding professional development, career coaching, paid internships, employer partnerships, and community engagement opportunities, the initiative creates a scalable workforce pipeline that benefits both emerging professionals and local employers. Through collaboration with higher education institutions, nonprofit partners, businesses, and the City of Charlotte, the project aims to increase economic mobility, strengthen workforce diversity, and retain talented graduates who will contribute to Charlotte's long-term growth and prosperity.