Ziko Malambo is a Zambian-born architect currently pursuing a Master of Science in Architecture at the Bernard & Anne Spitzer School of Architecture in New York. His journey into architecture is shaped by a personal commitment to honor his late father’s vision and a passion for creating spaces that uplift both people and communities. With … Continued
Julia Qian is pursuing a dual degree in Architecture and Urban Planning at Columbia University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Michigan, where a gap year of planning-related work inspired her interest in connecting design practice with urban policy and research. She has gained experience in architectural design, spatial analysis, … Continued
Will Harlow is pursuing a Master’s degree in Urban Planning at Columbia GSAPP. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at Colorado College, designing an interdisciplinary curriculum integrating psychology, philosophy, and psychoanalysis. After working as a growth marketer for financial technology startups, he transitioned to urban planning to pursue his interests in community development, equitable urban design, … Continued
Rafael Santos is pursuing a Master’s degree in Urban Planning at CUNY Hunter College. He earned a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil and an MBA in Project Management from the Getulio Vargas Foundation, also in Brazil. His professional career in private-sector capital projects included initiatives that promoted … Continued
Polly Ruiying Xu is a Master of Fine Arts candidate in Transdisciplinary Design at Parsons School of Design. She holds a dual BA in Sociology from Columbia University and Sciences Po Paris, which informs her interdisciplinary approach to design and social research. Polly’s work focuses on advancing equitable wellbeing through participatory research and design, centering … Continued
Alejandra Paez is pursuing a Master’s in Urban Design at CCNY’s Spitzer School of Architecture. Originally from Colombia, she earned her professional architecture degree and license to practice architecture, combining formal training with extensive practical expertise. She spent several years at Bogotá’s Urban Development Institute (IDU), contributing to the Technical Project Division on public space … Continued
Owen Elton is a candidate for a Master’s in Urban Planning at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service. He holds a B.S. from Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy, where his research explored education, healthcare, and housing policies designed to promote equity and opportunity. After graduation, he worked with American Promise, … Continued
Nathaly Fernandez is pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service, where she also earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she moved to Queens in 2012, bringing a bicultural perspective and a deep commitment to equity, advocacy, and community engagement. Nathaly has worked … Continued
Max Gordy is pursuing a Master’s degree in Urban Planning at NYU Wagner, focusing on housing justice, affordability, and equitable urban development. He is dedicated to ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to safe and stable housing, regardless of race, income, family status, or disability. Max currently works at the NYU Furman Center, conducting … Continued
Karina Altavila is a Master of Public Administration candidate at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, specializing in Urban Policy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from PUC-São Paulo and completed an academic exchange at Sciences Po Aix in France. With over seven years of experience in the nonprofit and public … Continued
Kahdija Jabbi is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration at Baruch College, where she was selected for the prestigious Marxe Chair Faculty Fellowship Award and collaborated with a faculty chair professor on research, writing, and proofreading projects that sharpened her analytical, communication, and policy skills. Deeply committed to public service, community empowerment, and social equity, … Continued
Juliana Phaomei is pursuing a Master’s in Public and Urban Policy at The New School, where she focuses on policy research, inclusive planning, and equitable urban development. She also holds a Master’s in Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai, with a specialization in livelihoods, social innovation, and community development. Juliana … Continued