The Michigan Chapter ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) Foundation is a non-profit organization working to increase diversity, equity and inclusion within the profession of landscape architecture. The Foundation was created to provide scholarships and grants in aid to students from historically underserved demographics pursuing a career in landscape architecture to further their educational endeavors in accredited landscape architecture programs at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
The Diverse Perspectives Webinar Series is organized by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI). The DEI Committee aims to encourage, promote, and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in our chapter and profession. As a part of our efforts, the webinar series aims to highlight minority design students and professionals, while providing a platform to share their experiences within the profession, their journey as a landscape architect, as well to showcase exemplary work within the profession. We thank you for your support and generosity.
Each webinar can be viewed by clicking on their respective logo, or you can find all of our videos at https://youtube.com/@michiganaslafoundation4187
Join us as as Kona Gray, FASLA, PLA, Principal of EDSA, talks about "Grounded Landscapes: The Diversity of Land and Culture.
Join us as Corrin J Breeding talks about how his diverse experiences and education allow him to create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and financially feasible.
Ebru Ozer, FASLA has a 25 year design practice and a 15 year academia career, is a Principal and Co-Founder of LandscapeDE and an Associate Professor at Florida International University. Ebru is joining Michigan ASLA to talk about introducing Landscape Architecture through community service, advocacy and outreach.
Sami Sikanas, a Landscape Architectural Designer with Marvel in New York, joins Michigan ASLA share a presentation about role Landscape Architects play in the design of affordable housing.
Rayshaun Landrum, a Landscape Designer for the City of Detroit, joins Michigan ASLA to discuss designing Dexter-Elmhurst Park to meet the needs and desires of the community.
Ernest Wong, the founder and a Principal of Site Design Group, is joining Michigan ASLA to discuss Navigating the Bamboo Ceiling.
Naomi Bailey, one of the MIASLA Chapter Foundation DEI Scholarship winners, will be joining us to discuss her experience as a landscape architecture student. Register for the event here.
Hana Ishikawa, a design principal with Site, joined us in June for her discussion on Innovative Design Strategies to Showcase Water Storage and Infiltration. Webinar will be available for viewing shortly, thank you.
Glenn LaRue Smith, FASLA, founder of the Black Landscape Architects Network (BlackLAN) and PUSH Studio, joined us for the discussion on A Diverse Career: Design and Service. The recording of this webinar will soon be available soon.
Kofi Boone, FASLA recently presented on The Ecologies of Capabilities. The recording of this webinar will be available soon.
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability graduate candidate, Yunfan Zhou, presented on his group thesis project; The Fold - The Changeable Location of Observation Points. Check out the webinar here.
Michigan State University graduate, Paige O'Keefe, presented on her Michigan ASLA Honor Award project; The City of Ecorse's Downtown Corridor and Riverfront Revitalization. Check out the video here.
Kene Okigbo, PLA, ASLA, joined us for an excellent webinar discussing The Intersection of Afrofuturism and Landscape Architecture. This presentation is an introduction to the project typology that is Afrofuturism and a continuation of the narrative that "representation (including in physical space) matters. Check out the video, here.
Landscape Architecture and Urban + Environmental Planning Masters student from Florida International University, Mara Stegaru, joined us to discuss her thesis and how to bring student collaboration into the professional realm.
Check out the video here.
Illinois ASLA Chapter President, Magdalena Aravena, PLA, ASLA, joined us for our second webinar in the Diverse Perspectives Series and discussed the importance of sponsor, mentor, and stakeholder relationships within the profession.
Check out the video here.
Manisha Kaul PLA, CDT, LEED AP, joined us for our first webinar in the Diverse Perspectives Series. She discussed her role and the process of the new design for the Chicago AIDS Garden and held questions and discussions with participants.
Check out the video here.
Alexa Bush and Charles Cross joined us for a webinar on Design Justice and Community Engagement. Check out the video here.
Damon Leverett, who joined us for Michigan ASLA's Virtual Conference on Landscape Architecture, discusses Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Design Arts: Turning The Conversation into Action. Check out the video here.