A Gathering and Send Off for LAF Ignite Graduates

A group of 8 LAF Ignite students stand in front of a curved concrete wall. — LAF Ignite students Kaia, Sara, Piper, Kareem, Ezra, Anaya, Brendan, and Zaria

It was great to see the LAF Ignite students when they were in Washington, DC, for our spring Board of Directors meeting, June 5 LAF Innovation + Leadership Symposium, and to meet up before their summer internships (or permanent positions) got in full swing.

LAF Ignite is LAF’s newest program, designed to help BIPOC landscape architecture students overcome barriers that occur during the period between entering college and entering the workforce, particularly for those who may not see themselves or their lived experience reflected in their faculty, employers, and peers. The multi-year program provides participants with an annual scholarship, paid summer internships, and various forms of mentorship until the students complete their landscape architecture degree.

With 8 of this year's 12 Ignite students having graduated in May, the DC gathering also served as a send-off to their next chapter. Congratulations to the graduates (and now Ignite alums) — we can't wait to see all the great things you'll do!

Brendan Hall, MLA + Urbanism/Master of Architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology
Johnathan Hampton, MLA, University of Texas at Arlington
Kareem Harris, BLA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Sara Harris, BLA, Utah State University
Anaya Marshall, BLA, Ball State University
Kaia McKenney, MLA, University of Michigan
Jade Rhodes, MLA, University of Hawaii
Amira Slocum, MLA, North Carolina State University

Johnathan Hampton shared this reflection on his experience in Ignite:
"The LAF Ignite program has been an indispensable part of my journey as an aspiring landscape architect. It has opened the door to countless incredible opportunities, significantly enriching my academic and professional growth. From visiting Washington, DC to attending professional portfolio reviews and participating in summer internships, the experiences facilitated by the program have deepened my understanding of and passion for the landscape architecture profession. I have seen—and continue to see—tangible results from participating in the program, for which I am beyond grateful. Growing alongside an inspiring group of fellow Black designers has shown me that we are not alone, and that our voices and contributions have real power within our communities and within our profession. I leave the Ignite program equipped to be an advocate and changemaker for those who rely on the profession of landscape architecture to enhance, remediate, and empower their communities."