Sandi Curd shares a compelling alternative to the blame-cycle of poverty by acknowledging the complexity and interdependency of these issues. Her case supporting the interventional approach of place-based initiatives allows residents to take ownership over the efforts, and the early results—and long term projections—are promising. Sandi Curd is the Promise Zone Coordinator for the Kentucky Highlands, the first rural Promise Zone in the nation. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx