Christian Carvajal spent a decade working in documentary film, contributing to stories that included the built environment and marginalized voices. He also worked at LSA Family Health Services in East Harlem, where he experienced how a community-based organization operates and serves its neighborhood. Christian earned his bachelor’s degree in Organismic & Evolutionary Biology from Harvard … Continued
Alan earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architectural Design from Parsons School of Design, where his capstone project, the Bed Stuy Water Shed, reimagined an underutilized Brooklyn lot in need of shade, open space, and additional amenities. His proposal included public restrooms, storage for local organizations, plumbing vocational training, and an accessible public garden. … Continued
Jeff Becker previously earned a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from American University’s School of International Service. Early in his career, he worked in international program management and spent time in cities around the world, where he encountered different approaches to transportation and public space. He now uses tools including 3D rendering software and geospatial … Continued
Fiona Campbell earned her B.A. in Urban Studies from Barnard College. She later spent two years at Urban Pathways, working within New York City’s housing landscape and housing models for those at risk for or experiencing homelessness. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies, she has worked with community organizations in the South Bronx, including the … Continued
Miles Baratier’s work has focused on transportation, public space, and the relationship between environmental and economic policy. Most recently, he worked as a parks planner with the City of Burlington, Vermont, contributing to community engagement efforts for the city’s comprehensive plan. At Columbia GSAPP, he has conducted research on Transit-Oriented Development and contributed to the … Continued
Before entering public administration, Beqa Mikadze earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, cum laude, from San Diego State University on a full academic scholarship. He later led engineering and product operations teams in New York, managing technology projects, developing financial models and performance dashboards, and improving organizational systems. His interests now include public … Continued
Becca Williams brings experience in the nonprofit sector and academic research across rural and urban contexts, with a focus on education, social policy, and environmental advocacy. In New York City, they serve as an Education Specialist for the YMCA of Greater New York, working directly with youth, city agencies, and community members to address learning … Continued
Nishat Rahman earned a bachelor’s degree with dual majors in Economics and Psychology and has worked in marketing, banking, data analytics, and project management. During an undergraduate internship with NYC311, she gained firsthand exposure to how residents navigate public services and how public institutions respond to community needs. She also interned at a men’s shelter … Continued
Before studying urban planning, June Yoon worked in architecture, interior design, and project management in South Korea. As a project lead, he delivered a lighting improvement program across more than 70 public schools in Seoul, coordinating budgets, construction supervision, and inspections. He also contributed to the design and construction of more than 15 offices, hospitality, … Continued
Makeda Andargachew’s early interest in medicine evolved into a broader focus on population health, public policy, and the community conditions that influence well-being. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology from Hunter College, with minors in Public Policy and English, she spent more than three years at a public health nonprofit on Staten Island, … Continued
Sharanya studied Urban Studies and Data Science at UC Berkeley, concentrating on Sustainable Development and Engineering. After graduating in 2024, she worked at the National Institute of Urban Affairs in India, where she brought together students, academics, and professionals around river-sensitive urban planning. Her work explored the tension between urbanization and natural resources, including nature-based … Continued
Valeria Gyamerah earned a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies with a minor in Spanish from Temple University, where she studied how social, political, economic, and environmental forces shape cities and communities. Her experience in personal injury law gave her firsthand insight into how transportation systems, public infrastructure, and the built environment affect people’s everyday … Continued