Who is behind CitiesRX?
Alyia Gaskins
Alyia has made a career of fighting health inequities.
A public health strategist and urban planner, Alyia Gaskins is committed to helping communities create places that promote the physical, social, and economic health of people. It’s a passion inspired by her mother, who despite working two jobs struggled to make ends meet and the financial strain forced difficult trade-offs between food, rent and medication, negatively impacting her mom’s asthma and diabetes. Known for her thought-provoking insights, Alyia is sought after for her experience helping cities create innovative models of cross-sector partnerships to breakdown the systems that make it hard for people to be healthy.
alyia believes in People first.
it is reflected in her personality and
how she approaches her business.
She founded CitiesRX, LLC, to help communities leverage the power of relationships to addresses the unprecedented challenges of the present with an intentional focus on equity.
As Assistant Director of Networks and Programs for the Center for Community Investment (CCI), she helps communities mobilize land and investment capital to expand access to healthy food, affordable housing, and transit. Previously, as a Senior Associate at the National League of Cities, Alyia helped hundreds of municipalities pass policies to help children grow up healthier and thrive through First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Cities, Towns, and Counties initiative.
Alyia is Committed to investing in where she lives.
She is the co-host of Checkbox Outreach, a new podcast created to raise awareness of current issues from those who are directly impacted but typically not at the table and to translate these experiences and ideas into policy and systems change.
Alyia also serves on the Alexandria Transportation Commission, Hunger Free Alexandria Steering Committee, Women of Color in Community Development Board of Directors, and Good Shepherd Housing Leadership Council. Recognized for her creativity and leadership, Alyia was honored as a Next City Vanguard, a New Leaders Council Fellow, and as one of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40 honorees.
Alyia graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor's degree in medicine, health, and society and earned master’s degrees in public health and urban planning from the University of Pittsburgh and Georgetown University, respectively. She is also a graduate of Emerge Virginia and the She Should Run Virtual Incubator. When not working, you’ll find her adventuring through Alexandria with her husband, Greg, son, Ezekiel, and beagle, Riley, or actively strategizing with other changemakers and friends on how to build a healthier city.
