Beyond fulfilling my practicum requirement for the MPH program, I joined CityLab because I wanted to understand how communities are shaped. At first, I focused on policy, but I soon realized that I learned the most from the people around me. Moving into the next term, I hope to explore policy that strengthens connectivity while also considering ideas beyond markets for how third spaces can be created.

Placemaking, to me, is about designing belonging and creating systems that make connection possible. It involves shaping not only physical spaces but also the stories that define them, including who feels seen, heard, and included in a city’s rhythm. CityLab has given me a framework to connect observation, empathy, and innovation with a shared goal of building more livable and inclusive urban futures.