Are You A Vanguard? Applications Now Open
Dave teaches city planning through educational videos posted to his YouTube channel, City Beautiful. Dave has experience as a planning practitioner and is currently earning a doctorate in city and regional planning from the University of California, Berkeley.
Laila is an environmental scientist and economist who develops tools to guide investments in housing and transportation. In her current role at the California Air Resources Board, she provides technical expertise to support programs that mitigate climate change, promote inclusive economic development, and advance environmental justice.
Tre Borden is Principal of the placemaking and creative consultancy Tre Borden / Co. His team curates events, public art projects, community-based programming and space activations with an eye towards equity and engagement.
As a transportation planner, WeWork alum and community engagement consultant, Brian is interested in the design nexus between transportation systems, real estate development, and underused spaces to prompt new interactions between strangers.
His experience lies in facilitating design processes to increase the quality of life at the neighborhood, city, and state levels. He has worked in transportation policy development, real estate acquisition, planning, and implementation, product design and development, strategic partnerships, space management, and team building.
He holds a BA in Urban and Regional Planning from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and a MA in Urban Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Jessa Ciel is an artist and filmmaker based in Sacramento, CA. Recent projects include directing the short film Like Home, and working on the Oscar-nominated film Lady Bird. Ciel holds an MFA in photography from Cranbrook Academy of Art, and a BA in Film from CSU Los Angeles.
Jamie’s expertise spans government and nonprofits, including community planning, economic development and environmental advocacy. As a Government Affairs Representative and former Associate City Planner, her work extends from permitting/entitlement reviews to policy development and sustainability program management. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from San Francisco State University.
Kimberly Garza is a design professional providing services in art, landscape architecture and planning. Her research-based design approach, coupled with her ability to manipulate virtual models, helps to identify and illustrate complexities and opportunities hidden within a site. Her work aims to provide innovative platforms for cultural, educational and social engagement.
Allison is the chief of staff and policy director for Sacramento City Councilmember Jay Schenirer, and has professional experience in real estate development, public finance, economic development and housing. Previously, Allison worked as an appointee to Governor Jerry Brown as a deputy director for the California Strategic Growth Council, where she spearheaded the state’s climate investment programs around local affordable housing, transportation and community-focused technical assistance priorities. A lifelong Sacramentan, she is a fan of community arts, bikes and tacos.
Darcy Totten is a crisis communications strategist with over 18 years of experience. She is an expert in social impact strategies and advocacy communications centered in the nonprofit world, political campaigns, grassroots organizing, tribal governments, and education. Darcy is passionate about coalition building and working with intersectional and inclusive teams.
Dan is a California artist trained as an architect, organic farmer and greywater irrigation specialist. He designs systems and makes art to explore the complex connectivity between water, food, community and climate change. Additionally, he serves as a designer with Lincoln Training Center whose mission is to improve quality of life for individuals with disadvantages or developmental disabilities.
Aaron Wilcher has worked as a program manager and technical assistance provider for workforce and economic development projects for over a decade. He works in the California community college system on community partnerships and career technical education strategy. He holds masters degrees in urban planning and American studies.