Biography of Godfrey Riddle: Founder & CEO of Civic Saint -Entrepreneur
Godfrey Riddle: A Journey of Transformation and Impact
Early Life and Education Godfrey Riddle's story begins in
Kansas City, where he developed a deep sense of purpose and passion for social
change. He pursued his education at the University of Kansas, where he earned a
Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies and a minor in Slavic Languages,
specializing in Russian. His academic journey was marked by active
participation in several student organizations, including the Academic Services
Board and the Campus Safety Advisory Board. This early involvement in community-focused
groups laid the groundwork for his later work in community development and
leadership.
Pursuit of Higher Education
Riddle continued his studies with a Master of Public
Administration (MPA) in City and County Leadership from the University of
Kansas, graduating with honors. During his time in the MPA program, he earned
several scholarships, including the prestigious Walter Vaughn Excellence in
Human Resources Scholarship. He also made an impression as a U.S. Department of
State Fulbright National Finalist. This period of academic achievement equipped
him with the skills to lead and make a meaningful difference in his community.
Early Professional Experiences
After completing his education, Godfrey worked as an
AmeriCorps VISTA member in Phoenix, Arizona. There, he addressed pressing
community issues such as blight, food insecurity, and sustainability. These
experiences sparked his understanding of how quality housing can transform
communities, particularly for marginalized groups. His work as an AmeriCorps
VISTA ignited his passion for equitable solutions to urban challenges.
Transition to Kansas City
Upon returning to Kansas City, Riddle sought to apply his
skills and knowledge to create lasting impact. Over the years, he raised over
$20 million for arts, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit initiatives in the
region. Through his leadership, he helped launch nearly 30 nonprofit programs,
each designed to address the unique needs of Kansas City's diverse communities.
These efforts reinforced his belief in the power of social entrepreneurship to
create positive change.
Biography of Godfrey Riddle: Founder & CEO of Civic Saint -Entrepreneur# startup#housing inequality and racial justice#Civic Saint story#Godfrey Riddle
Civic Saint: A Vision for Change
In October 2020, Riddle founded Civic Saint, a for-profit
social enterprise with a bold mission to eliminate the harmful legacy of
discriminatory policies and practices that have historically affected Black
communities. Civic Saint focuses on creating artful, affordable homes and
adaptive communities using innovative building materials like compressed
earthen blocks (CEBs). These blocks are not only cost-effective but also
durable, fire-resistant, and non-toxic, making them an ideal solution for sustainable
housing in underserved areas.
Innovative Housing Solutions
The use of compressed earthen blocks (CEBs) in Civic Saint’s
projects stands out as a key innovation. These blocks are bulletproof,
fire-resistant, and environmentally friendly, offering a sustainable and
long-lasting alternative to traditional construction methods. This approach is
especially meaningful for neighborhoods that have faced systemic neglect,
including those that were historically redlined. By providing affordable,
high-quality housing, Civic Saint helps communities heal and thrive.
Building Communities Through Art and Architecture
Civic Saint’s approach extends beyond just providing homes;
it also emphasizes community-building through art and local involvement. The
company partners with local neighborhoods to host production facilities and
restorative artist residencies. These residencies encourage neighborhood
storytelling and beautification, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in
the community. This holistic model creates a cycle of investment and growth,
leading to stronger, more connected communities.
Focus on Racial Equity and Economic Justice
Riddle’s personal experiences as a gay, Black man and cancer
survivor have deeply influenced his approach to social entrepreneurship. He
understands firsthand the challenges that marginalized communities face,
particularly when it comes to achieving homeownership and financial stability.
Civic Saint’s business model is rooted in racial equity, aiming to dismantle
the legacy of racial injustice that has affected Black communities. Through job
creation, homeownership, and the economic benefits of sustainable development,
Civic Saint helps close the racial wealth gap.
Generational Wealth and Homeownership
One of the central goals of Civic Saint is to increase homeownership in formerly redlined areas, thereby building generational wealth. By providing affordable housing and involving local residents in the construction process, Civic Saint offers an opportunity for long-term financial stability. This focus on homeownership has the potential to transform entire neighborhoods, creating a legacy of financial independence and security for future generations.
Impact on the Local Economy
Beyond homeownership, Civic Saint’s projects have
significant economic impacts on the local economy. The company’s innovative
construction methods create jobs in production, construction, and arts
residencies. These employment opportunities help local residents gain new
skills, while the influx of investment and infrastructure improvements enhances
the overall economic vitality of the community. Civic Saint’s work serves as a
catalyst for revitalization, turning neglected areas into thriving, self-sustaining
communities.
A Commitment to Social Justice
Throughout his career, Riddle has remained committed to
social justice and community empowerment. He is also a board member of BlaqOut,
an organization focused on improving healthcare access and social outcomes for
Black queer individuals. His work reflects his dedication to dismantling
systems of oppression and creating opportunities for marginalized communities
to thrive. His leadership in both Civic Saint and various nonprofit initiatives
showcases his commitment to a more just and equitable society.
Recognition and Awards
Riddle’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He was recognized
with a 2023 National LGBT Chamber Pitch Award and a 2023 ACE Champion of
Diversity Award. In addition, he was named to INK Magazine’s 30 Under 30 and
received a 2010 Foreign Language Area Studies Fellowship. These honors reflect
the impact of his work and his role as a thought leader in social
entrepreneurship and community development.
Creating a Radical Difference
Civic Saint is more than just a construction company; it is
a movement aimed at creating a radical difference in how communities are
developed and supported. By focusing on sustainable construction methods,
racial equity, and community empowerment, Civic Saint is redefining what it
means to create thriving neighborhoods. Godfrey Riddle’s leadership and vision
continue to inspire positive change, making a lasting impact on the lives of
those who need it most.
A Legacy of Leadership
As a social entrepreneur, Riddle has made a lasting impact
on Kansas City and beyond. His leadership in creating innovative housing
solutions, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering economic justice
is reshaping the future of urban development. Through Civic Saint and his other
endeavors, Riddle continues to lead by example, showing how passion,
creativity, and commitment to social good can transform communities for
generations to come.
Timeline for story
Early 2000s: Godfrey Riddle attends the University of
Kansas, studying Architectural Studies and Russian.
Mid 2000s: Riddle completes a Master of Public
Administration at the University of Kansas.
2010-2013: Riddle serves as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in
Phoenix, addressing community issues.
2014-2020: Riddle raises over $20 million for arts and
nonprofit initiatives in Kansas City.
October 2020: Riddle founds Civic Saint to address housing
inequality and racial justice.
2021-2023: Civic Saint implements innovative housing
solutions with compressed earthen blocks.
2023: Riddle receives the National LGBT Chamber Pitch Award
and ACE Champion of Diversity Award.
Ongoing: Riddle continues leading Civic Saint with a focus
on community empowerment and racial equity.
