Student Profiles

Profile: Lauren Lynch, M.A.

“People [at UEP] are really interested in digging into meaningful questions and pushing back against conventional thoughts”

“I am invested in looking for different ways low-income communities can better sustain themselves and push back against issues like gentrification”

“We are going to need inclusive, evidence-based policies that are developed collaboratively and that work in the real world”

“Too often, low income communities and communities are left out of decision making and are isolated in confronting the challenges of life.”

“I fundamentally believe – even more so now, at the end of the program – that planning is about people first and foremost”

“[UEP] does challenge the way you think: it forces you to think deeply and gives you the room to do it.”

“That is a big part of my hope for the future – knowing what is right and what is wrong for the immigrant and refugee communities.”

“I see affordable housing as a stepping stone, a foundation for low income families. It’s a form of stability.”