OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

A photo of me in the APA photo booth in front of a map of Chicago that served as part of the #ittakesaplanner initiative.

My classmate, Sarah Internicola, and I with APA President Angela Brooks.

Name: Christina Curry

Degree Program: MASTER OF URBAN PLANNING

Specialization: MUP-City and Community Planning

Conference Host Organization/Institution: American Planning Association (APA)

Conference/Competition Name: National Planning Conference

Conference Term: Spring Conference Start Date: 2023-04-01 Conference End Date: 2023-04-04

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
My main takeaways were how important it is to learn from one another in our field, engage with your community, and always be prepared to face obstacles. Most of the time, there is no perfect solution and there are often challenges that prevent planners from doing what they think is best. You can get the best results by leaning on fellow planners and advocating for your community.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
I expanded my network and met several professionals in the industry. I was also able to learn about how cities around the country are acting on new planning trends like micromobility and pedestrianization. In addition, I received advice from current professionals about how they received a job after graduate school and reached where they are now.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
During the conference, I made an effort to get people’s cards to connect with them after the conference. Thus, my next step is to reach out to them and create a professional relationship as I build my network. It also inspired me to be bold when going after jobs I am passionate about. Furthermore, I volunteered to help on a project focused on resilience and sustainability in rebuilding Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, so I am eager to start working on that.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
1. Go to the sessions you’re interested in even if it’s by yourself because it will give you the opportunity to meet new people with similar interests!
2. Make sure to attend networking events after the conference to meet new people and be able to talk in a more casual setting.
3. Talk to and thank the presenters of the sessions you attend, and ask if there’s a way for you to get involved!

Wagner Areas of Impact: Cities, Government, Inequality, Race, and Poverty, Transportation