Latinas in Planning

Below, James' commentary on this past Thursday's very successful, APA Latinos in Planning event:

The Latinos in planning event was a great success! We celebrated the accomplishments and goals of four Latina planners; Maria Cabildo, Executive Director of East Los Angeles Community Corporation, Norma E. Garcia, Community and Environmental Deputy to Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Gloria Molina, Maribel De La Torre, Councilwoman for the City of San Fernando and Barbara Romero, Director of Urban Parks for the Natural Resources and Planning Division of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.

These Latinas provide a new articulate voice to the urban planning profession because they were born and raised in Latino neighborhoods. In these neighborhoods they rode public transit, walked to school, played in public parks so they bring this much needed sensibility to the profession. The approach to the planning in their communities was much more comprehensive because it was not about their egos but how do I work with people such as my family to reach a consensus of what is needed.

These Latinas are committed to their communities and work 24 hours a day. Through their volunteer efforts, and raising families they work not just 8 to 5 but beyond. Their passion and conviction to improve the quality of life in their communities was very inspirational.

-James Rojas