Linden is changing.
Today, our community is home to families whose roots stretch across generations in Columbus alongside residents from East Africa, West Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. This rich cultural diversity is one of Linden’s greatest assets and presents an opportunity to build a stronger, more vibrant future.
That was the focus of Leadership Linden’s 2026 Spring Forum, “The United Nations of Linden.”
The forum brought together community leaders, entrepreneurs, elected officials, faith leaders, and residents to explore a critical question:
How do we leverage Linden’s growing diversity as a driver of community investment?
Moderated by Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, the conversation featured a distinguished panel including State Representative Ismail Mohamed, Liberian-American entrepreneur Alpha Tongor, and Linden business owner Leone Robinson of Island Vibes Restaurant.
Throughout the discussion, one theme emerged repeatedly: Linden’s diversity is not a challenge to overcome—it is a competitive advantage to embrace.
Panelists discussed the importance of attracting diverse food options, creating cultural events, supporting minority-owned businesses, engaging youth, and building stronger cross-cultural relationships. They also explored how infrastructure improvements, public policy, and community collaboration can position Linden as a destination for visitors, investors, and entrepreneurs.
The forum reinforced a simple but powerful idea: when we celebrate and leverage our cultural diversity, we strengthen our local economy, expand opportunities, and build a community where everyone belongs.
At Community of Caring Development Foundation, we believe building community is building the market. The future of Linden will be shaped by our ability to bring people together, create opportunity, and invest in our greatest asset—our people.
