Aziza grew up in southwest Virginia in an area without much recreation or open space. It was difficult for her as a child and teenager to not have the autonomy to go places on her own. She always wished she lived in the neighborhoods across town, places where kids could walk with their friends to the park after school and hang out. That feeling stayed with Aziza, and it’s what motivated her to become a planner, the belief that she could help create meaningful third spaces for the communities around her!

Now, as an urban planner with a Master’s in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia, she is motivated to turn that belief into action. Aziza wants to apply her knowledge to create equity focused planning recommendations that reflect the lived experiences of communities and support their needs and aspirations.

Aziza is enthusiastic about working in a team that aligns with her community focused approach to planning and design. It’s exciting to be part of a group that values creating spaces where people feel they belong!