We’re overjoyed to celebrate the incredible dedication of our latest UrbanPlan Volunteer Incentive Program winners: Laura Cunningham and Christie Donnelly! Let’s give them a huge round of applause!

Laura and Christie consistently go the extra mile, generously sharing their urban planning expertise and enthusiasm with local high school students. Their unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of urban thinkers is truly inspiring.

More Than Just 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:

Laura Cunningham: “I volunteer for UrbanPlan because it’s deeply rewarding to watch young adults interpret and engage with the built environment around them. Seeing them connect the dots between design, policy, and community impact reminds me why leadership in real estate matters. It’s inspiring to help cultivate their understanding of how the places we build shape the way we live.”

Christie Donnelly: “I volunteer for UrbanPlan because working with students is incredibly rewarding. Helping them understand how the built environment is shaped—and how they can participate in those decisions—empowers them to see themselves as engaged, informed citizens. Watching their perspectives broaden and their confidence grow is what keeps me coming back.”

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! Volunteer opportunities continue through spring, and you can get trained online on-demand to become a volunteer. Share your passion for urban planning and empower young minds to become the architects of tomorrow’s cities.

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

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