UrbanPlan Champions: Hear Why Our Volunteer Stars Shine!

We’re overjoyed to celebrate the incredible dedication of our latest UrbanPlan Volunteer Incentive Program winners: Hilda Ramos, Amanda Wolf, Zoe Siegel and Jonathan Cohen! Let’s give them a huge round of applause!

These exceptional individuals consistently go the extra mile, generously sharing their urban planning expertise and enthusiasm with high school students and community workshop participants alike. Their unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of urban thinkers is truly inspiring.

More Than Just Teaching: A Passion for Impact

Our winning volunteers don’t just facilitate; they ignite curiosity and understanding. By bringing real-world planning scenarios to life, they empower students and community members with the critical thinking skills needed to shape vibrant and sustainable futures. But why do they volunteer their time and expertise? Here’s what our champions had to say:

• • Hilda Ramos: “I volunteer to teach high school students about real estate because I believe it is a valuable skill that can empower them financially and help them build a solid foundation for their future. Real estate knowledge can also open up career opportunities, whether in investment, development, or property management. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to give back to the community by equipping young people with knowledge that can positively impact their lives.
  • Amanda Wolf: ” I deeply value public education and recognize the lasting impact it has had on my personal and professional life. Urban Plan offers a meaningful way for me to give back while sharing another area I’m passionate about, real estate development. The curriculum is a great simulation of our industry and more importantly, it fosters critical and collaborative thinking – skills essential for any future endeavor!”
  • Zoe Siegel: “I volunteer for ULI UrbanPlan because I believe deeply in the power of education to shape more equitable and sustainable cities. I participated as a student at Berkeley high in the early days of the program in the early 2000s and it was a transformative experience that opened my eyes to new career opportunities, broadened my understanding of economic trade offs and ultimately helped guide me to a career in Urban Planning. UrbanPlan gives students a hands-on opportunity to understand the complex trade-offs in land use decisions, and I love being part of that learning process. As someone who cares about housing, climate resilience, and inclusive planning, it’s meaningful to help others explore how development choices impact communities—and to support the next generation of planners, advocates, and leaders.”
  • Jonathan Cohen: “I volunteer for UrbanPlan because I really enjoy showing (rather than telling) students how city form is informed by tradeoffs between competing interests and preferences. It also gives me a chance to “give back” in a meaningful way.”

Join the Movement!

Are you driven by a passion for education and eager to make a tangible difference in the lives of future leaders? We invite you to become a volunteer facilitator with UrbanPlan! Share your passion for urban planning and empower young minds to become the architects of tomorrow’s cities.

Visit our website at https://sf.uli.org/urbanplan-incentive-program/ to learn more and get involved.

Together, let’s continue to cultivate a generation of passionate and informed urban leaders!