The Citizen Fellowship is an initiative designed to empower citizens by exchanging ideas and best practices in landscape architecture and urbanism, facilitated by engaging with the landscape through travel and dialogue.

Together, Grow Greater Englewood, Botanical City, and the Master in Landscape Architecture at IIT started this initiative in 2022. This fellowship invites accomplished, committed community residents, organizers, practitioners, and government officials who significantly influence shaping the built and natural environment, especially those dedicated to advancing social and environmental justice in their communities. Fellows embark on journeys to carefully selected destinations, meeting their peers and contributing insights in various contexts throughout this process. Fellows work with faculty and students, participate in fellowship events, and collaborate with a growing network of colleagues who strongly commit to equity and excellence.

In 2024, the Citizen Fellowship focused on best practices in urban eco-districts and agriculture. Specifically, those currently being developed in Paris, France, in collaboration with the French consulate in Chicago. Participants presented their key takeaways and shared their research projects with their peers, fostering an extended collective mentorship and support network. Leaders in the Field of Study will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and networks you need to impact the world positively.

COORDINATORS
L. Anton Seals Jr, Grow Greater Englewood
Maria A. Villalobos H., IIT and Botanical City

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CITIZEN FELLOWS 2024

Stephanie Coleman, 16th Ward Alderwoman - City of Chicago
Brandon Bradford, 16th Ward - City of Chicago
Cynthia Williams, Grow Greater Englewood
Bweza Itaagi, Grow Greater Englewood
Mecca Bey, Grow Greater Englewood
Adonnis Platt, Grow Greater Englewood
Ashanti Randolph, Grow Greater Englewood
Johann Friedl, Grow Greater Englewood/Botanical City
Bane Stevens, GGE Block Steward
Bernita Thomas, GGE Block Steward
Nanette Tucker, GGE Block Steward
Carol Elmore, GGE Block Steward
Atara Young, GGE Board Member
Cecile DeMello, Teamwork Englewood/GGE Board Member
Sonseriya J Williams, Teamwork Englewood
Keith Harris, GGE Board Member
​Janelle St. John, Growing Home

Ezra Lee, Growing Home
Michelle Rashad, Imagine Englewood If
Felicia Slaton-Young, Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce
Maurice Perkins, Think Outside Da Block
Corie Luckett, Branding Englewood NFP
Rashanah Baldwin, Neighborhood Housings Services of Chicago
Katanya Henry, Bezos Earth Fund
Kelly Murphy, IIT
Maurice Gaston, IIT
Galilea Ines, IIT
Madison Weick, IIT
Caleb Hadley, , IIT
Jonathan Cienfuegos, IIT
Calyn O-Banion, IIT
Brenda Cardenas, IIT
Persefoni Stamatis, IIT
Kevin Garcia, IIT

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Andrew Jiang
​All photos on this page are by A. Jiang.

SPECIAL THANKS
French Consulate, Chicago
Ville Albertine, Chicago
Chartier-Dalix
​Feda Wardak
TVK
Barri Studio
ACPA Ana Coello Paisaje y Arquitectura
 Fortis Global
​McArthur Foundation

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS
Botanical City. Grow Greater Englewood. Master in Landscape Architecture at IIT