Areas
Profile
Hometown: Saint Martinville, LA
Education Background: BA History, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
How did you get interested in your field?
Growing up in southwest Louisiana, I became interested in the built environment and how people interact with their surroundings. My hometown of Saint Martinville, with its quaint historic district and population of 5,000, has experienced periods of change, deep racial divisions, and economic stagnation. Still being raised in this place, especially one so interconnected with neighboring cities in a broader cultural/geographical/economic region, I became keen that the stories of St. Martinville are not separate but instead are part of how place is understood and how built environments can become active when centering (comm)unity.
What was your background prior to coming to Penn?
Before Penn, I was an undergraduate at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, studying history with a focus on public & local history. At UL, I was an undergraduate fellow at the Center for Louisiana Studies, researching & documenting historic Black community development practices in rural southwest Louisiana. Additionally, I worked as an undergraduate researcher at the Guilbeau Center for Public History and an intern with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, working on projects from digital archive creation & management to site reinterpretation with U.S. sites of enslavement.
Why did you choose Penn?
After applying to universities closer to my region, I was asked by my former supervisor at the National Trust to consider Penn’s programs. Learning more about planning at Penn, I found that the program, courses, & faculty members aligned with areas of my interests in planning, so I applied and accepted.
What has been your favorite class so far?
While I have enjoyed many classes, my favorite class thus far has been “Negotiation & Conflict Resolution.” Dr. Harris Sokoloff taught the class to prepare students for community engagement and boardrooms through understanding communication styles and techniques.
What are you learning right now that will help you in the future?
Right now, I am learning about strategies & techniques for regional economic development techniques. In my 2nd-year studio, I am working on legacy planning and designing program proposals for Philadelphia for the upcoming U.S. Semiquicentennial & the 2026 World Cup.
What do you like best about Philadelphia?
For me, Philly is an all-around great city with a distinct feel and identity that certainly sets it apart from other cities in the Northeast. The City has excellent open spaces, cultural institutions, and unique places to eat & enjoy time away from studying.
What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in?
- GAPSA Representative, Weitzman School of Design
- Co-President, Black Planners Society
- Member, Weitzman School Real Estate Club
What are your career ambitions?
My goal is to become an economic developer focused on expanding economic opportunities for historically marginalized communities in Sunbelt regions and cities.