Scholarship Winners

2024

Georgia Institute of Technology

Dylan Apelu

I am a graduate student at Georgia Tech pursuing a dual master's degree in civil engineering and city and regional planning. For my master's thesis, I am conducting research using indigenous-led solutions to address transportation equity in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. I wanted to thank the donors of the APA Foundation Scholarship for their generosity. Your donations will assist in developing and administering a needs assessment survey to evaluate community feedback on culturally appropriate, community-designed transportation improvements and collect necessary data for funding opportunities for these communities.

University of Florida

Kaley Arboleda

I am passionate about fostering healthy, vibrant, and resilient communities that support a sense of belonging and promote environmental well-being. As I complete my master's in urban and regional planning at the University of Florida, I look forward to continuing my work at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. This scholarship reinforces my dedication to a future in planning that prioritizes community needs, environmental stewardship, and holistic well-being.

Auburn University

Pearl Seyram Asamoah

I am deeply grateful to the generous donors of the APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship for investing in my academic journey and professional growth. As an international student from Ghana, this scholarship empowers me to pursue my master's degree in community planning at Auburn University, where I strive to deepen my understanding of equitable, participatory urban development. Inspired by my roots and experiences in Ghana, I am determined to build a career as an urban planner, contributing to sustainable and inclusive practices that prioritize community engagement and resilience in underrepresented communities. Your generosity fuels my ambitions. Thank you.

Tufts University

Muram Bacare

Your support will allow me to focus on my studies at Tufts University and to actualize my aspirations of pursuing a career in urban and transportation planning. This scholarship not only inspires me to excel academically but also motivates me to design and plan resilient communities that can not only withstand the challenges of the future but also flourish. Thank you once again for making my educational journey possible.

University of Florida

Lauryn Ballard

I am deeply grateful to the American Planning Association Foundation for selecting me as a recipient of the 2024 APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship. This generous support enhances my ability to fully engage in my Master of Urban and Regional Planning studies at the University of Florida, where I am focusing on sustainable community development and creating accessible, sustainable cities. As a future urban planner, I am committed to developing inclusive, resilient communities that advance both social equity and environmental resiliency. Thank you for empowering students like me to make a meaningful impact on the future of our cities.

University of Utah

Hannaneh Abdollahzadeh Kalantari

I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship. This support allows me to further my research on sustainable and equitable transportation solutions, with a focus on empowering women and marginalized communities. Growing up in Iran instilled in me a commitment to planning for inclusive and resilient urban environments, and I look forward to contributing innovative strategies to the field. This scholarship not only provides essential financial support but also reinforces my dedication to advancing social equity in planning. Thank you for supporting my vision of cities where diversity and accessibility create opportunities for all.

Harvard University

Alyssa Kawano

The Japanese phrase 'Motainai,' meaning 'too good to waste anything,' highlights the importance of stretching resources to endure. Carrying this attitude through my life and studies drives my passion for sustainable approaches to current and evolving urban challenges. Embracing this multicultural nuance, I recognize the centrality of incorporating diverse socio-economic perspectives in fostering resilience. As a recipient of the APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship, I am committed to making the most of this invaluable opportunity and using it to contribute meaningfully to the field — ensuring that no opportunity is ever wasted. Thank you for your support!

University of California, Los Angeles

Jasmine Law

Thank you so much to the APA Foundation for awarding me a scholarship. This will help me continue my studies in my Master of Urban and Regional Planning at UCLA, where I continue to strive to be a planner who focuses on improving conditions in traditionally underserved communities. Again, thank you so much for this opportunity. I'm honored to receive the APA scholarship this year.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Angela Lei

I am a first-year city planning student, focusing on equitable transportation, climate change, and urban design. I'm deeply honored to receive this scholarship. Thank you to the donors for enabling me to continue my advocacy and leadership within my community in planning. Your support motivates me to work toward creating inclusive, resilient cities and to serve as a role model for future Asian American planners.

Michigan State University

Vivian Morales

Thank you for your generosity in funding the 2024 APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship. Receiving this award is an incredible opportunity to further my academic and professional aspirations. With the financial support provided, I will be continuing with my master's in urban and regional planning with less financial weight on my shoulders. Additionally, these funds will allow me to have more resources saved for my program's upcoming study abroad experience in Germany. This experience will enrich my understanding of planning practices internationally. After completing my time as a graduate student, my current goal is to work as a city planner or for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. I hope that through the continued support I will be receiving for my graduate year, my steps proceeding graduation will become clearer, and that my fundamental desire to enact some meaningful change will come to fruition. I am incredibly grateful for the generosity and recognition that accompany this award. I will use this opportunity to the best of my ability.

University of Virginia

Jordan Murphy

My ambition in government planning is to work to 1) preserve rural spaces, 2) prioritize small-scale family farmers, 3) secure property and tenure rights to the land, and 4) enhance the livelihood of the rural experience. Through education, I hope to research ways to expand property rights for communities facing challenges securing legal custody of land. Following my graduate degree, I look to start my planning practice in Culpeper County and eventually transition to the federal government as the Secretary of the USDA.

Columbia University

Yerandy Pacheco

What an honor it is to receive the APA Diversity Scholarship! I have been involved with and have followed APA for years, so to have this opportunity is a full circle. As a first-generation student, my career goals include addressing racial inequality, economic barriers, and climate change disparities to ensure global quality of life. I aim to provide communities with voices, especially those who are unaware of their power, with leadership positions in public offices. With your generous support, I can continue pursuing a master's degree in urban planning degree at Columbia University, bridging the gap between my current position and my aspirations.

University of Texas at Austin

Gavin Porter

I would like to humbly thank the American Planning Association for choosing me for the diversity scholarship. Over the years, I've put in countless hours of work and research to be competitive enough to apply for such a prestigious award. It brings me great honor to have achieved one of my goals and have my peers look at me as someone who deserves this award. With my planning degree, I plan on creating more affordable housing around Austin and developing transformative ways to build affordable housing across the United States. I love focusing on helping families reach their goals of independence and finding somewhere to live that they can call home. I would also like to thank the University of Texas at Austin for providing all these opportunities to grow, thrive, and show my true talents to the rest of the world.

University of California, Los Angeles

Veronica De Santos Quezada

Receiving the APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship is an incredible honor and invaluable support that allows me to focus on my studies. I am deeply grateful to the APA Foundation for supporting my academic journey and career development. As I prioritize community participation in my studies, I am committed to fostering inclusive, sustainable spaces that serve everyone. Thank you to the APA Foundation for creating opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and for helping make urban planning a more inclusive field.

Cornell University

Rama Ramachandran

I am deeply honored to receive the APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship, which significantly supports my journey at Cornell University toward becoming an advocate for inclusive urban planning. My studies focus on how spatial, economic, and mobility factors impact diverse communities, particularly marginalized groups, in urban spaces. This scholarship empowers me to delve deeper into issues like gender inequality in public spaces and the needs of informal settlements, allowing me to explore solutions for equitable, resilient urban environments. Thank you for this invaluable opportunity, which strengthens my commitment to creating cities where all voices are heard and respected in the planning process.

San Diego State University

Sarah Royer

I am incredibly grateful to the generous donors and the APA Foundation for making this scholarship possible. This support significantly eases my financial burden and allows me to focus on my master's in city planning at San Diego State University. I am deeply committed to advocating for environmental justice and equity, ensuring that the burdens and benefits of the natural environment are more equitably shared. With a focus on uplifting communities of color, I aim to promote fairness in zoning and land use planning, advancing environmental and social justice for those most affected by these challenges.

Arizona State University

Nikita Ankitkumar Soni

I am deeply honored to receive the 2024 APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the generous donor (American Planning Association) who made this opportunity possible. Your support is significant and will allow me to focus on my university studies in urban and regional planning without the added financial burden. This scholarship strengthens my commitment to making an impact in the field, particularly in promoting inclusive and sustainable community development. I am excited to continue my studies and pursue a career where I can contribute to equitable and thoughtful urban planning for diverse populations. Thank you!

University of Maryland at College Park

Tayo Taiwo

I am deeply honored to be selected for the 2024 APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship. This support is more than financial assistance; it's an investment in my journey to make cities more inclusive and resilient. I am committed to advancing my studies in urban planning, focusing on creating equitable, sustainable communities. This scholarship empowers me to continue pursuing my goals, bringing diverse perspectives into planning and helping shape cities that reflect the needs and voices of all. I am profoundly grateful to the donor for their generosity and belief in my potential to make a lasting impact in the field.

California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo

William Walker

At Cal Poly, our motto is "Learn By Doing," and this scholarship will come in handy for that hands-on spirit. I spent my last year attending transportation commission meetings all over California, speaking at industry conferences about my work experiences, and meeting with student researchers to help them develop better engagement methods for underrepresented and underserved communities. The scholarship only helps to further expand my reach, and I am truly grateful to the Foundation and APA for it. Thank you.

University of Michigan

Marcellous Weaver

I am sincerely honored to have been selected as a recipient of the 2024 APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship. This scholarship lessens the financial burden of graduate school and the expenses associated with it. I am currently pursuing my master's program in urban and regional planning and a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development at the University of Michigan. My studies revolve around revitalizing low socioeconomic communities through community and economic development. After I graduate, I will return to Detroit, Michigan, and further support the redevelopment and revitalization of disinvested communities there. Thank you again for your contribution to my and others' education and future.

University of Missouri, Kansas City

Nathan Vanezyl

I would like to thank everyone who made this scholarship possible; because of your generosity, I am one step closer to starting my career without being in student loan debt, a big issue for students nationwide. Over the next year, I plan to write a research paper based on the work I completed over the summer. That research is about how mortgage denial rates affect same-sex individuals in Kansas City. I will also be completing an internship this summer.

2023

Columbia University

Mateo Alexander

Thank you to the APA Foundation for supporting me in my first year as an MSUP student at Columbia University. Following graduation, I will become a college professor and research center PI, actively co-producing with communities for beneficial technological research and development. As a trailblazer, my legacy will be a racially, economically, and technologically just future. This scholarship will ease the financial stress of living in NYC, allowing me to focus on my academic interests in smart cities, urban futures and megatrends, behavioral economics and ontological design, new city and town international development, and underrepresented populations.

University of Florida

Angie Castrillon

I am incredibly grateful and honored to receive a 2023 American Planning Association Foundation Diversity Scholarship. As the daughter of immigrants and a Hispanic/Latinx woman, I deeply appreciate the APA's commitment to promoting diverse, inclusive, and livable communities. With your generous support, I will be able to complete my Master's Research Project and finish the final phase of my degree. This scholarship will play a pivotal role in allowing me to pursue a career dedicated to creating communities that prioritize environmental justice, sustainable economic development, social equity, and inclusion.

Harvard University

Aanchal Chopra

My ambition is to design cities that facilitate more equitable participation in meaningful work, enable shared prosperity, and serve an increasingly flexible and evolving workforce. With the support of this scholarship, I hope to investigate the urban drivers of inequity at work and better understand how planners, policymakers, and employers can collaborate to design urban infrastructure to address these inequities.

University of Georgia

Ashley Daniel

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous scholarship. The American Planning Association's investment in my education is more than just a financial contribution — it's a vote of confidence in my potential and a catalyst for my future success. With your assistance, I am provided with an easier route to achieving my goal of cultivating a profound understanding of the complex relationships between urban environments, social dynamics, art, and sustainable development. Thank you so much.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Samuel Hayes

I am a second-year master's student in the Department of City and Regional Planning at UNC-Chapel Hill, where I focus my research on issues at the intersection of affordable housing and historic preservation. My role as the Chair of the Board of Directors at Upstate Preservation Trust, a historic preservation nonprofit in SC, has honed my leadership and practical skills in preserving our cultural heritage. This experience, coupled with my research, empowers me to seek innovative solutions that harmonize urban development with preservation. Thank you to the APA Foundation and the generous donors who made this scholarship possible.

University of California, Berkeley

Lekshmy Hirandas

I am deeply grateful for the generosity of the foundation, as this scholarship helps me to complete my planning education at the University of California, Berkeley. As a budding planner, I aim to be a global advocate for equitable access, ensuring it transcends barriers of age and ability. This invaluable recognition from the APA Foundation will empower me to delve deeper into the intricacies of planning, acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to create sustainable, inclusive solutions for our communities. It fuels my passion to address the pressing issues of mobility inequality and urban accessibility, ultimately striving for a world where everyone can thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Your support not only assists me in achieving my educational goals but also strengthens my commitment to making a meaningful impact on the planning landscape. I am truly honored to be a recipient of this scholarship and look forward to the journey ahead.

Michigan State University

Escarleth Cucurachi Ortega

As a recipient of the APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship, I wanted to express my appreciation for helping to alleviate the financial burden of my college education. Originating from a close-knit Mexican family, my architectural background kindled a passion for urbanism, propelling my pursuit of a Master's in Urban and Regional. MSU has offered a remarkable experience, emphasizing inclusivity and equity. Currently, I'm involved in an Urban Laboratory initiative in Veracruz, empowering locals with essential knowledge. Plans encompass gaining experience in international urban consulting and founding an Urban Planning firm to advocate for marginalized groups. My heartfelt thanks to the APA Foundation for supporting my educational endeavor, a beacon of hope for all aspiring planners.

Cornell University

Aditi Parihar

Born and raised in a small town, glancing at the ill-structured land use map, I knew only knowledge could give me the power to change the existing circumstances; this was my driving force to pursue a program in city and regional planning. The moment has arrived to connect my goals with my values. I aim to turn my interest and curiosity into innovative and spontaneous solutions. With this APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship, I look forward to contributing with the same zest and spirit towards women, people of color, and those in financial need. I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your support! Thank you!

Columbia University

Rachel Peng

Thank you for selecting me as a recipient of the 2023 APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship. I feel incredibly grateful and honored for your support in the pursuit of my degree in urban planning and ultimately a planning career. As I continue the final years of my degree and deepen my knowledge in the field, I hope to champion diversity through my thesis by showcasing the subtleties of race in data and aim to continue to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change in my community, particularly to those outside of the industry.

University of Washington

Saira Shahid

I am honored to accept the APA Diversity Scholarship made possible by your generous donation. Thanks to your support, I can continue my education in urban planning and pursue my goal of being an urban planning practitioner working to make communities safe, sustainable, and equitable. I hope to use my intersectional knowledge, background, and experiences to champion diversity in the planning field and develop equitable solutions for the present and future.

Ball State University

Danielle Sipp

I truthfully and wholeheartedly want to thank the APA Foundation for this award and experience. As a student and future planner, I've spent years of my adolescence and teenhood advocating for more equitable and just urban development practices, and with the support of the APA Foundation, I hope to bring this with me into my professional career. Thank you again for this opportunity.

Harvard University

Briana Villaverde

This scholarship is instrumental in helping me further my studies and commitment to equitable urban planning. After graduation, I hope to return to Los Angeles and actively implement impactful planning strategies that uplift the Latine diaspora while promoting radical forms of care and justice, specifically prioritizing communities who are working to address climate and environmental injustices. A better world is possible, let's plan it!

Harvard University

Maggie Weese

I want to sincerely thank the APA Foundation for its generosity in awarding me this scholarship. This funding will support my final year of a dual master's in urban planning and public health at Harvard University. While at Harvard, my work focused on participatory planning, healthy built environments, and affordable housing. After I graduate, I hope to work for a city planning department or a nonprofit developer to further access to healthy, high-quality, affordable housing in the Boston area. Thank you again!

2021

University of Michigan

Anthony Bui

Thanks to your generosity, I am one step closer to making our urban areas accessible for all. Transportation policy tends to promote unwelcoming streets solely for the benefit of drivers, but it can also be used as a remedy to encourage a street for all users. Thus, I will promote and protect public transportation to bridge our communities, connect all types of people with opportunities, and stimulate economic potential in the urban environment.

Columbia University

Will Cao

The necessity for a collective mission towards confronting health and climate disasters could not have been more apparent over the past year, as well as the role of planners to encourage and mitigate outcomes. With the generous support from this scholarship, I can continue my education towards the goal of responsibly building greater resilience and climate justice for communities that have been underrepresented in the processes of planning and developing the built environment.

Tufts University

Kameice Francis

Thank you to all who made this possible. This scholarship has made a world of difference for me. The opportunities offered by the APA Foundation Scholarship will undoubtedly ensure that I have the > financial resources to finish my Master's in Environmental Policy and Planning. After graduation, I aspire to return to my home country, Jamaica, to develop effective national climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Once again, thank you.

The University of Texas at Arlington

Qian He

My career goal is to become a research-driven planner and educator. Through my research, teaching, and service, I am committed to creating an equitable environment for people and communities from all backgrounds. The APA Foundation scholarship will help me finish my doctoral degree. This scholarship will allow me to share my research and cultivate professional planning networks at the national and international levels. The recognition of the APA Foundation Scholarship will be a tremendous encouragement as I work to achieve my goal of advancing equity in urban planning.

University of Minnesota

Fatha Sharif

I am beyond grateful and excited at the opportunity to have received a 2021 American Planning Association Foundation Scholarship. I have begun my studies at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs as part of the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program, and I hope to complete a concentration in housing and community development. I aspire to lead a planning career in the public sector that centers and empowers communities that have historically experienced marginalization, a lack of representation, and access to influence decisions made regarding their neighborhoods and homes.

2020

Harvard University

Andriani Atmadja

Your generosity helps me to further my mission of enhancing climate resilience planning for vulnerable communities that seek social justice and equity in their practice. As a woman in the future planning profession, I am also hoping to generate strategies to ensure equitable collaboration through the empowerment of women, children, the elderly, and underrepresented communities to actively participate in the planning process.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Shekhar Chandra

I was born in a remote village in northern India of mostly below-poverty-line households with a low literacy rate, and where the majority of households depend on farming activities for their livelihoods. The experiences of my youth inculcated a genuine passion for acquiring scientific knowledge and a deep desire to influence the policymaking process so that I could someday make a difference for those who were less fortunate than I.

Harvard University

Cecley Hill

We are in a critical moment where the demand for Urban Planners has become increasingly evident across a variety of landscapes and in a myriad of roles. As a second-year graduate student preparing to transition into this field professionally, I look forward to building on my personal knowledge and educational experiences to create more equitable cities internationally and to help meet this demand.

Rutgers University

Amal Muse

Thanks to your generous support, I am the first in my family to attend graduate school. Growing up in a less privileged community has not only offered financial and academic challenges but has also helped me realize the value of a higher education. My plans at this stage are to complete myMaster'ss in City and Regional Planning and concentrate on environmental policy.

Harvard University

Whytne Stevens

Receiving this scholarship allows me to continue my studies at Harvard and look more deeply into subjects within urban planning, ng such as people-centered urban design, participatory planning, community development, community building, finding the intersection of art and urban planning, and social equity-based approaches to urban planning.

Rutgers University

Marius Williams

As a City and Regional Planning student, I plan to concentrate on international design and development. I believe that the practice of both local and international planning and design can reveal and spread innovative best-planning practices across regions and cultures.

2019

University of California, Berkeley

Priscila Coli

Priscila Coli is a graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley's City and Regional Planning PhD program. Coli spent six years working as an urban planner in Rio de Janeiro and focused on sustainability, zoning parameters for affordable housing, and redressing disparities in urban infrastructure. She hopes to contribute to the development of urban policies and legislation that could regulate new actors while also empowering residents from the peripheries, facilitating and strengthening equitable civic participation.

Tufts University

Alexandra Duprey

Alexandra Duprey is a graduate student in Tufts University's Master's in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning program. She plans to build upon her experience as an intern for a sustainable development nongovernmental organization (NGO) in India, and as a transportation planner in Florida,ida observing the disparity between the people proposing development plans and the people being affected by the plans, to champion diversity and social and environmental justice in the planning profession.

University of Colorado, Denver

Valeria Henao Cano

Valeria Henao Cano is a graduate student at the University of Colorado, Denver, in the Master's of Urban and Regional Planning program. She has worked as an architect in Colombia and has experience developing projects that improve the quality of life in marginalized communities. As a planner, she plans to work on improving informal areas that serve marginalized populations.

University of Pennsylvania

Claire Jaffe

Claire Jaffe is a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania's Master's of City Planning program. She is working on bicycle and pedestrian planning and is interested in how multimodal networks create safer spaces. Jaffe has organized spaces for women and LGBTQ folks who are in the planning field or interested in urban planning issues to come together, network, and build connections.

Harvard University

Laier-Rayshon Smith

Laier-Rayshon Smith is a graduate student at the Harvard University Master's of Urban Planning program. Smith's vision for equitable communities includes working at the intersections of social interaction, policy, design, and the decision-making processes that formulate the built environment. Living in Pittsburgh and working at non-profit organizations in the city helped to shape this vision.

2024

University of Washington

Inonge Mubita

Thank you, donors, for making this scholarship possible and supporting me in my education to be an urban planner. With this scholarship, I can continue my education and goals to investigate strategies that support climate adaptation and inclusive governing structures. In my final year, I aim to focus my thesis on energy-resilient measures that can improve energy efficiency and help cities meet local and state greenhouse gas limits. I hope to continue a planning career in sustainable land management and infrastructure to support economic growth, social well-being, and climate resilience.

2024

University of Pennsylvania

Liz Crouse

My studies focus mainly on public-private development partnerships, land use planning, and emergency management. Having worked in affordable housing before starting my graduate program, I am especially passionate about researching housing solutions for disaster-stricken areas, and this scholarship will go a long way in helping me achieve my goal of working in this area.

2021

Harvard University

Sara Arman

I wanted to sincerely thank you for awarding me the Charles Abrams Scholarship. This scholarship will be directly applied to my tuition and will help support my graduate studies. At the Graduate School of Design, my focus within Urban Planning is Housing, Neighborhood, and Economic Development. After graduation, I hope to work in my hometown, Chelsea, MA, either at a local CDC or in the city planning department to help create more affordable housing. I am so grateful to the APA for helping make this career a reality for me!

2020

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Sharon Velasquez

Thanks to you, I am set for success as I develop the critical planning and leadership skills that will empower me to lead an economic development organization in my future.

2019

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Vanessa Toro Barragan

Vanessa Toro Barragan is a graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Master's in City Planning program. Barragan plans to leverage her complex identities as a white-presenting Latina who was born in Colombia but raised in the United States to find opportunities for social transformation as a path towards equitable and just cities. Her thesis will focus on the youth from an Afro-Colombian Pacific territory and efforts to rebuild within the challenging context of structural violence, poverty, and environmental hazards.

2018

Harvard University

Gina Ciancone

Gina Ciancone is a graduate student at Harvard University's Master's in Urban Planning program. She will be pursuing solutions that mitigate natural disasters and climate change in Houston and New Delhi, India.

2017

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Reed Jordan

2016

Joshua Davidson
University of Pennsylvania

2015

John McCartin
Harvard University

2014

Brett Roeth Peanasky
University of Pennsylvania

2013

Jennifer Lee
Harvard University

2012

Jinny Khanduja
Columbia University

2011

Maxwell Sokol
Columbia University

2010

Christina Ghan
Columbia University

2009

Chris Horne
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2008

Danielle Martin
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2007

John Reinhardt
University of Pennsylvania

2006

Tegin Leigh Teich
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2005

Katherine Scott
Columbia University

2004

Karen Hu
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2003

Annis Whitlow
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2002

Kristin Malia Garcia
Harvard Design School

2001

Kathy Diaz
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2024

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Kaede Polkinghorne

I am honored to accept the 2024 Judith McManus Price Scholarship and grateful to the APA Foundation for supporting me in my first year as a master's in city planning candidate at MIT. The Foundation's support will allow me to focus on my studies as I work towards a planning practice that opens public sector processes to the people they exist to serve.

2021

University of California, Berkeley

Kaitlyn Kong

Receiving this scholarship will allow me to further my research and studies on: Transportation Planning and Equity, Active/Multi-Modal Transportation, Public Transportation, Green and Complete Streets, Streetscape, Sustainable Development, Public Spaces, Green Spaces, Sustainable Cities, and Livability. As a woman of color, I am so excited for the opportunity to improve the built environment and achieve a more accessible, equitable, and sustainable future.

2018

Georgia Institute of Technology

Jasmine Jones-Bynes

Jasmine Jones-Bynes is a current graduate student at the Georgia Institute of Technology's Master's in City and Regional Planning program. She is passionate about the built environment's influence on public health and will be working on active transportation and parks and recreation challenges.

University of Illinois at Chicago

Kim Lovely

Kim Lovely is a current graduate student at the University of Illinois, Chicago Master of Urban Planning and Public Policy program. She will focus on making communities better for low-income and underserved populations.

University of California, Berkeley

Lily MacIver

Lily MacIver is a current graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, in the Master of City Planning program. She will be continuing her work exploring innovative planning interventions to reduce air pollution exposure.

Harvard University

Henna Mahmood

Henna Mahmood is a current graduate student at Harvard University's Master's in Urban Planning program. She is studying urban analytics and international planning with plans to pursue a career in building global city resilience.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Kenyatta McLean

Kenyatta McLean is a current graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Master's in City Planning program. She is studying how planning can support the heritage conservation of black spaces challenged by real estate pressures.

University of California, Berkeley

Diego Rentería

Diego Rentería is a current graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, in the Master of City Planning program. He is studying brownfield and river restoration to develop regional park and open space systems in park-poor urban areas.

University of Michigan

India Solomon

India Solomon is a current graduate student at the University of Michigan's Master of Urban and Regional Planning program. She is studying community development and design with a focus on equitable revitalization in Detroit's neighborhoods.

2017

2016

Obiamaka Ude
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ana Bonilla
University of California — Los Angeles

2015

Fernando Montejo
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Jessica Myers
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2014

Amina Hassen
Hunter College

Ashleigh Johnson
University of Michigan

2013

Adriana Akers
MIT

Stefani Cox
University of California–Berkeley

Deyanira Martinez
University of Arizona

2012

Carlos Recarte
University of California–Berkeley

Julia Metz
Portland State University

Alexandria Murnan
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

2011

Chelsea Chee
University of New Mexico

Jocelyn Drummond
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Lauren Trice
University of Pennsylvania

2010

Avital Barnea
University of Minnesota

Stephanie Brown
Harvard Graduate School of Design

Sharon Wade-Ellis
University of Oregon

2009

John Arroyo
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tynisha Beard
Rutgers University

Yovana Perez
University of California–Los Angeles

Carrie Randall
Cornell University

2008

Marlynne Powell
Wayne State University

2007

Nichole Arbeiter
Arizona State University

Krista Trout-Edwards
University of Michigan

2006

Angela Trinh
University of California–Los Angeles

2005

Teresa Cameron
Eastern Washington University

Valerie Gingrich
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Maureen Hickey
University of California–Berkeley

2004

Alexia Kelly-Schwartz
University of Oregon

Nicole Clare
University of Pennsylvania

Vivian Castro
Columbia University

Gabriela Juarez
University of California–Los Angeles