Planning While Black: Redefining Leadership in Urban Planning and Beyond
Nina Idemudia, Center for Neighborhood Technology & American Planning Association-Illinois Chapter
Join me on an exhilarating journey of breaking norms and pioneering change in the world of urban planning. From being on the National Board of Directors of the American Planning Association to being the new CEO of the Center for Neighborhood Technology, my story is one of challenging the status quo. In “Planning While Black,” I will unveil how my identity as a Black queer millennial has fueled my ambition and shaped my leadership style, driving groundbreaking initiatives in both Illinois and California. This talk isn’t just about recounting past successes; it’s a vibrant roadmap of my vision for CNT’s future, showcasing how we’re engineering cutting-edge solutions for sustainable urban development. Expect a session brimming with candid insights, personal anecdotes, and bold strategies that will not only inspire but also challenge aspiring planners to reimagine the landscape of leadership and urban innovation.
Speaker
Nina Idemudia, AICP, joined the Center for Neighborhood Technology in September 2023 as its CEO; also in 2023, Nina was elected the first Black President for the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association. Previously, she served as Chicago Recovery Plan Director for the Chicago Department of Planning and Development and served as Director of Planning for MUSE Community + Design. A native Detroiter, Nina understands firsthand how the built environment shapes the lives of society’s most vulnerable populations. She is currently a resident of the Archer Heights neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Nina holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California.
Presented with support from the Louis Wetmore Fund and the Leonard Heumann Fund.