DesignPhiladelphia proudly announces the launch of the annual Justice Alliance in Design Education (JADE) Fellowship. This initiative, in collaboration with local colleges and universities, aims to foster a diverse and inclusive culture within Philadelphia's architecture and design education space. Inspired by the success of programs like the Posse Foundation, the JADE Fellowship is built on the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students can drive significant individual and community development.

The JADE Fellowship will support a cohort of undergraduate students from underrepresented communities and is committed to creating a community and culture that not only nurtures personal career growth but promotes a more inclusive environment for all design students and emerging professionals. Rebecca Johnson, the Executive Director of DesignPhiladelphia, shared her enthusiasm: “Through the JADE Fellowship, we are not just supporting individual talents; we are actively shaping an inclusive, welcoming, and diverse design community right here in Philadelphia.”

We are honored to introduce our first cohort of JADE Fellows for the year 2024, each embodying the spirit and potential of this initiative:

• Katie Koji from Drexel University, whose remarkable resilience and commitment to sustainability and innovation in design have made her a standout student and community member.
• Beamlak Sahle from Temple University, who aspires to create essential and sustainable infrastructure within Ethiopia's rural communities, highlighting her passion for community-oriented design.
• Simone Sawyer from the University of Pennsylvania, whose leadership on and off the basketball court, coupled with her dedication to mental health advocacy and design, represents her holistic approach to excellence.
• Sofia Maruri Gaitan, showcasing outstanding academic achievement at the Community College of Philadelphia and a unique blend of architectural prowess and professional salsa dancing.
• Yoselynn Martinez from Thomas Jefferson University, actively working towards a more inclusive architectural field through her engagement with National Organization of Minority Architectural Students (NOMAS) and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, reflecting her commitment to design justice.

Learn more about this groundbreaking initiative here.