QuestCDC Welcomes New Intern — Akilah Favors

Quest Community Development Corporation is proud to welcome Akilah Favors, a PhD candidate in Sociology at the University of California, Berkeley, as our newest intern.

Akilah’s academic research examines how Black-led nonprofits address urban displacement, with particular attention to strategies and solutions emerging from Southwest Atlanta. Her work highlights the resilience of community-based organizations and their role in ensuring that historically Black neighborhoods remain places where residents can live, thrive, and lead.

With more than a decade of research experience—including interviews, ethnographic studies, and policy analysis—Akilah brings both scholarly expertise and a deep personal commitment to equity-driven community development. As an Atlanta native and proud Spelman College alumna, her connection to the city’s history and future is central to her work.

During her time at QuestCDC, Akilah will focus on exploring how our development approach promotes racial equity, while also helping to preserve the cultural legacy of Atlanta’s historically Black neighborhoods.

“Akilah’s research and lived connection to Atlanta bring an invaluable perspective to our mission,” said Melanie Faison, Chief Operating Officer of Quest. “Her work will help deepen our understanding of how housing and community development can serve as tools for equity and preservation.”

We are thrilled to have Akilah join our team and look forward to the insights she will contribute as we continue advancing our mission.

Welcome, Akilah!