MURP Online Student Awarded APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship
Angie Castrillon, MURP Online Student
December 5, 2023
Angie Castrillon, a MURP Online student, has recently been awarded the APA Foundation Diversity Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship acknowledges diverse planning students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to advocacy within their communities.
“As the daughter of immigrants who made immense sacrifices to come to this country, I embrace the values they instilled in me–hard work, courage, and optimism,” says Castrillon, crediting her heritage and upbringing for influencing her perspective on the importance of fostering diverse, inclusive, and thriving communities.
Castrillon has utilized these values and perspective alongside her education through experience in public sector roles in sustainable development, historic preservation, community engagement and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the City of Gainesville, City of Raleigh, and Town of Bluffton. Additionally, she continues to reflect her values through her appointment to the APA Florida Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee–a committee dedicated to making diversity, equity, and inclusion integral to the organizational structure, policies, practice, committees, staff, sponsors, goals, and vision.
I am incredibly grateful and honored to receive a 2023 American Planning Association Foundation Diversity Scholarship. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my advisors, professors, peers, friends, and most importantly, my family.
Expecting to graduate with her Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning in May 2024, she plans to utilize the scholarship to help complete her Master’s Research Project and finalize her degree. “This scholarship will play a pivotal role in allowing me to pursue a career dedicated to creating communities that prioritize environmental justice, sustainable economic development, social equity, and inclusion.”
Congratulations Angie!