Class Projects
Class Projects
Embedded Files
UPA 630: Urban Power Seminar
UPA 630: Urban Power Seminar
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT: Leveraging Liberatory Design & LGBTQ Incorporation for an Inclusive Political Campaign: Pablo Benavente's Run for Concord City Council, District 4
ABSTRACT: This paper (click on the button below) explores the application of liberatory design principles in the political campaign of Pablo Benavente for Concord City Council’s District 4 seat, with a focus on LGBTQIA+ inclusion. The liberatory design framework, centered around dismantling power imbalances and amplifying marginalized voices, provides an innovative approach to community engagement in political contexts. This paper examines how such design frameworks foster authentic community engagement and empowerment, particularly in the context of advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights. By using case studies of successful campaigns and analyzing the practical steps taken by Benavente’s campaign, this paper explores how liberatory design contributes to a more inclusive and responsive political strategy that fosters genuine representation and engagement with Concord’s diverse populations. Additionally, this paper highlights strategies for integrating equity-centered approaches and addresses the challenges of overcoming systemic oppression within political structures.
UPA 651: Rhetoric for the Common Good
UPA 651: Rhetoric for the Common Good
COURSE SYNOPSIS: This class is meant to help me build my oral and written communication skills so that I can succeed in my chosen profession in the field of urban and public affairs. I am introduced to concepts from rhetoric and strategic communication and asked to put those concepts into practice through a series of exercises. The second half of the class will focus on my capstone project. By the end of the course, I will have written an introduction as well as a draft of my literature review.
UPA 682: Campaigns & Political Mobilizations
UPA 682: Campaigns & Political Mobilizations
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT: Every student will work for at least 40 hours during the semester as an intern/volunteer on a local campaign of their choice. You must write regular, short reflections on your campaign work, and you will write a final paper based on that work on a campaign-related topic (of your choice) that will be discussed and finalized in class.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT: Every student will work for at least 40 hours during the semester as an intern/volunteer on a local campaign of their choice. You must write regular, short reflections on your campaign work, and you will write a final paper based on that work on a campaign-related topic (of your choice) that will be discussed and finalized in class.
ABSTRACT: I chose to work as an intern/volunteer for Pablo Benavente's political campaign for Concord City Council, District 4, in Concord, California. Click on the button below to read the paper!
ABSTRACT: I chose to work as an intern/volunteer for Pablo Benavente's political campaign for Concord City Council, District 4, in Concord, California. Click on the button below to read the paper!
UPA 665: Urban Racial Politics
UPA 665: Urban Racial Politics
UPA 672: The Immigrant City
UPA 672: The Immigrant City
PA 667: Housing, Community, and Policy
PA 667: Housing, Community, and Policy
MPL 623: Fundraising & Budgeting
MPL 623: Fundraising & Budgeting
MPL 607: Grassroots & Voter Targeting
MPL 607: Grassroots & Voter Targeting
Learn More About My Work in Concord & Richmond!
Learn More About My Work in Concord & Richmond!
Richmond, CA
Richmond, CA
Richmond is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in California, with large African American, Latino, and Asian communities. This diversity is reflected in its vibrant cultural events, art, and cuisine. It is a city defined by its history of resilience and innovation, from its wartime contributions to its ongoing environmental and social justice efforts. Its mix of industrial heritage, natural beauty, and diverse community make it a unique part of the Bay Area.
Concord, CA
Concord, CA
Concord is a significant residential and commercial hub in Contra Costa County, offering a mix of suburban living and urban conveniences. As the largest city in Contra Costa County, Concord is a place of opportunity and diversity, with places and spaces like the Concord Pavilion, the Rainbow Community Center, and Todos Santos Plaza (a community gathering place with farmers markets, live music, and restaurants offering diverse cuisines). It is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the East Bay, with strong Latino, Filipino, and Asian communities. This diversity is reflected in its cultural festivals, local businesses, and cuisine.
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