Lourdes Germán, lecturer in urban planning and design at the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD), has been named a 2026 U.S. Big Bets Fellow by The Rockefeller Foundation, joining a cohort of 10 leaders recognized for advancing bold, community-driven solutions to expand economic opportunity across the United States.
Announced at the “Big Bets for America: Baltimore” convening on April 21, the fellowship supports innovators working at the forefront of challenges including workforce development, climate resilience, and equitable access to capital. Over a five-month program, fellows receive tailored support, cross-sector networking opportunities, and strategic resources to help scale their impact.
Germán is executive director of The Public Finance Initiative. Her work focuses on helping distressed communities nationwide access public, private, and philanthropic capital to invest in locally driven projects. Her approach emphasizes place-based strategies that generate quality jobs, strengthen long-term economic opportunity, and build more inclusive regional economies.
The Rockefeller Foundation selected this year’s fellows in response to growing economic pressures facing vulnerable communities, including declining labor force participation and rising costs of living. The program highlights leaders who are forging innovative partnerships and deploying new tools—such as artificial intelligence and blended finance—to connect communities to opportunity.