SUP GW‪?‬ supgwpodcast

Summary:
This episode is part of our Celebrating Black History Month podcast series where students in the Sustainable Urban Planning program at the George Washington University interview Black and African American planners and urbanists. In this episode, graduate student Ugonna Njeze interviews Lakeshia Wright, AICP, on what equitable urban planning looks like and how to support people of color in the field of urban planning. They discuss skills planners can add to their equity toolkits to promote meaningful change for minority communities. Lakeshia shares her personal journey as a woman of color in the field of urban planning, providing insights on finding joy, overcoming barriers, and using your voice.
Highlights from the Conversation:
Career milestones
Understanding unconscious biases and cognitive dissonance
Navigating contentious topics
Inclusive urbanism
Challenging the silo mentality
Creating a culture of respect
Building your network
Advice for emerging professionals
Impacts of technology on people of color
Guest Mini Bio:
Lakeshia Wright, AICP, is an urban planner, UX researcher, and data disrupter currently working as a senior UX researcher and strategist at Happy Cog.
Connect with her on LinkedIn or get in touch via email.
Learn More!
On biases:
2021 American Planning Association (APA) blog: The Continued Challenges of Bias and Discrimination Within Planning Education

Equitable urban development case studies:
APA’s Equity in Practice

Using data and technology for equitable planning:
Greenlink Equity Map: Community of Practice

Credits:
A special thanks to guest speaker Lakeshia Wright
Interview by Ugonna Njeze
Intro and outro by Alex Davis
Produced by Reagan Smith

Summary:
This episode is part of our Celebrating Black History Month podcast series where students in the Sustainable Urban Planning program at George Washington University interview Black and African American planners and urbanists. In this episode, grad student Courtney Carothers interviews alumna Allie Thompson on environmental and climate justice and the impacts on communities of color. They discuss the struggles and triumphs of being a woman of color in the field of urban planning and strategies for self-care. Allie offers powerful advice for combatting imposter syndrome and prioritizing mental health as well as the importance of finding your passion, building your network, and connecting to a mentor.   
Highlights from the Conversation:

Climanomics – The Economic Impacts of Climate Change
Climate Risk
Supporting Communities of Color
Environmental Justice
Transportation Planning and Gentrification
Representation and STEM
Inspiring and Supporting Black and Brown Girls in Science
Meteorology and Climate Threats
Equity versus Equality
Addressing the Disconnect between Policy Makers and Community Needs

Guest Mini Bio:

Allie Thompson is an alum of the GWU Sustainable Urban Planning program, and now works as a project lead at the tech start-up The Climate Service.

Follow her on Linkedin.


Her recommendations to students and emerging planners include:

Find a mentor, build a support system and network.
Apply for jobs even when you do not meet all the requirements.
Build and earn trust, do overcommunicate, but do not overpromise what the city can provide.



Learn More!

Check out The Climate Service.

Learn more about The Climate Service's Climanomics®


Learn more about The American Planning Association (APA) and become a member!

Learn more about Equity scores from the Climate Equity Reference Project and The USC Center for Urban Education.
Credits:
A special thanks to Allie Thompson!
Interviewer: Courtney Carothers 
Organized and Co-Produced by: Alex Davis
Intro and Outro voice: Alex Davis
Produced by: Raven Nee
 

This episode is part of our Celebrating Black History Month podcast series where students in the Sustainable Urban Planning program at George Washington University interview Black and African American planners and urbanists. In this episode, graduate student Arielle Lofton interviews Desiree “Dee” Powell about her experiences in the field and how to ethically and equitable engage Black and Brown communities in placemaking. They discuss the historic inequities in urban planning and the current issues and threats to communities of color, as well as personal experiences and strategies to advocate for equity and inclusion.  From food trucks and food deserts to public speaking and software programs, Dee gives powerful advice for emerging and established planners alike, emphasizing the importance of listening.

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