"Enough of the Talk!": Putting Equity and Resilience in Action

Donald is a Planner Manager, and the Urban Design Studio Lead in the Multimodal Safety & Design Branch of TDO, HPW. TDO is the Transportation & Drainage Operations service line of Houston Public Works. Donald is originally from Ghana where he obtained a Bachelor of Architecture degree and a Post … Read More

Donald is a Planner Manager, and the Urban Design Studio Lead in the Multimodal Safety & Design Branch of TDO, HPW. TDO is the Transportation & Drainage Operations service line of Houston Public Works. Donald is originally from Ghana where he obtained a Bachelor of Architecture degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Architecture from KNUST University. He moved to the United States in 2005 and obtained two (2) master’s degrees in urban design and Urban Planning from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Donald is a Certified Planner (AICP) and an Associate of the American Institute of Architects (assoc. AIA). He has worked extensively around the country in several communities and capacities, both in the public and private sectors. He pragmatically approaches urban design and planning – balancing creativity with practicality. He has been nicknamed ‘Donaldo da Vinci’ for his ability to combine art, design, science, and engineering within the built environment. He also uses his God-given skill as an artist and orator to bring clarity and simplicity to complex concepts to help engage multiple audiences. Donald is married to Florence and they have 3 daughters Eileen, Isabelle and Julia. Read Less

Mukul Malhotra is an award-winning urban designer and nationally-recognized expert and innovator in comprehensive plans. Originally an architect, Mukul gravitated toward planning and urban design because it yields greater impact beyond just the physical environment. He is committed to not only advancing the communities he works in around the country, … Read More

Mukul Malhotra is an award-winning urban designer and nationally-recognized expert and innovator in comprehensive plans. Originally an architect, Mukul gravitated toward planning and urban design because it yields greater impact beyond just the physical environment. He is committed to not only advancing the communities he works in around the country, but to moving the dial up a notch on the profession itself. As one of the creators of MIG’s re:Streets Initiative, Mukul leads a multidisciplinary Street Design Studio on exploring what America’s roadways would be like if they were designed for living instead of just driving. His projects have addressed issues related to urban development and revitalization, streetscape design and planning, pedestrian-and transit-oriented design, and preservation of neighborhood and city character. From well-established single-family neighborhoods and historic districts to new communities, Mukul’s creativity and interdisciplinary approach have given shape and form to countless places and spaces from Texas to Massachusetts and California to North Carolina. Read Less

Anne Whitlock is Founding Director of Connect Community, a ‘community quarterback’ organization that uses the power of community to revitalize the Gulfton-Sharpstown neighborhood. Basing its efforts on the national Purpose-Built Communities model, Connect, works with residents to bring wraparound wellness services, assemble a high-quality cradle through college education pipeline and … Read More

Anne Whitlock is Founding Director of Connect Community, a ‘community quarterback’ organization that uses the power of community to revitalize the Gulfton-Sharpstown neighborhood. Basing its efforts on the national Purpose-Built Communities model, Connect, works with residents to bring wraparound wellness services, assemble a high-quality cradle through college education pipeline and build mixed income housing in the Gulfton neighborhood. Her international experience includes the Peace Corps in Mali and consultancies in Chad, West Africa, Costa Rica and Mexico. She speaks Spanish, some French and a smattering of Bambara which facilitates her work with newcomers from all over the globe who have landed in Houston to seek better opportunities for themselves and their families. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Master of Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. She serves on the boards of Buffalo Bayou Partnership, the UT Children’s Learning Institute, Breakthrough Houston, and Brazos Bookstore. She is married with three adult children and lives in a converted fire station in the East End of Houston. Read Less

"David is the owner of a Dallas-based urban planning firm, DRW Planning Studio. He has a background in urban planning, urban design, public policy, and development-related disciplines. He has over 20 years of experience in developing long-range plans and urban design strategies; drafting code amendments; planning and implementing capital projects; … Read More

"David is the owner of a Dallas-based urban planning firm, DRW Planning Studio. He has a background in urban planning, urban design, public policy, and development-related disciplines. He has over 20 years of experience in developing long-range plans and urban design strategies; drafting code amendments; planning and implementing capital projects; and managing economic development tools. In both the public and private sectors, David’s work advances innovative planning practices that improve the built environment; evaluates municipal policies and business processes through the lens of fostering more vibrant cities; and capitalizes on strategic opportunities to create unique and enduring places. David’s practice has evolved to have an increasing emphasis on the connection between the built environment and human health, including managing capital improvements that address environmental conditions to improve both physical health and mental well-being in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District, as well as policy guidance for healthy community planning in Louisiana through his affiliation with the Center for Planning Excellence in Baton Rouge. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Regional Planning from Cornell University. " Read Less

Krystin Ramirez is Project Manager with MIG, Inc.’s Planning and Design Services team. She has over nine years of experience as an urban planner and her experience in land use, comprehensive planning, community development and engagement, and zoning has given her the opportunity to manage both small- and large-scale projects. … Read More

Krystin Ramirez is Project Manager with MIG, Inc.’s Planning and Design Services team. She has over nine years of experience as an urban planner and her experience in land use, comprehensive planning, community development and engagement, and zoning has given her the opportunity to manage both small- and large-scale projects. Each of these projects incorporates community, stakeholder, and agency coordination. Krystin is currently working on a variety of projects in the urban planning field, including the City of San Antonio’s Sub-Area Plans, Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan Update, Sacramento Park Master Plan, Southwest Medical District Urban Streetscape Project, and Unified Development Code updates. She received her B.A. in Geography from the University of Texas at Austin and her M.S. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Read Less