2024 marks VHB's second year participating in Tufts University's pioneering Racial Equity in Policy and Planning (REPP) graduate fellowship program. Launched in Medford, Massachusetts, the REPP program aims to encourage graduate students from underrepresented groups to pursue an environmental justice-focused planning curriculum, offering essential support and resources to empower these students as effective racial justice change agents.
Last year, VHB sponsored Erwin Li, and we are proud to have recently sponsored Isabella Buford. In her first year in the REPP program at Tufts, Isabella brings a unique blend of experience in environmental policy and early childhood development to her academic pursuits and projects. Her enthusiasm for the program is evident, as she values the diverse and passionate community that has enriched her learning experience, as well as the supportive faculty who have nurtured her academic and professional growth.
Early Career and Educational Background
Before joining Tufts and the REPP program, Isabella dedicated her efforts to early childhood education in Sacramento, California. Reflecting on her background, she says, "I completed my undergrad in environmental policy analysis and planning, with a specialization in early childhood development."
She served as a lead teacher in an early childhood lab, where she focused on expanding outdoor classroom access and reducing barriers for families, aligning her academic passion with practical experience. She also worked at the Davis Forest School, an outdoor education program that fosters child-led, land-based learning. Initially joining as a forest mentor, she advanced to Equity and Access Program Coordinator, collaborating and supporting partnerships, resources, budgeting, and grants.
After relocating to Massachusetts, Isabella continues to support the school remotely. Fondly reminiscing, she shares, "It was hard to leave a space so dedicated to learning, sharing Indigenous practices, and offering reparations to Black and Indigenous families. The community there is deeply passionate about the environment and its people.”
Research Projects and Collaborative Efforts with the REPP Program
At Tufts, Isabella co-led the "Early Educator Space 2.0" initiative, focusing on co-designing green spaces. Describing her role, she explains, "My role was quite dynamic. I focused on documenting the experience to understand it better and explore ways to replicate it." This collaborative effort involved partnerships with Boston Housing Authority, Sasaki, and Northeastern University to create sustainable models for community engagement and environmental planning.
Isabella also participated in the East Boston Mutual Aid project, led by Penn Loh, the Distinguished Senior Lecturer in Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning at Tufts University. This experience deeply connected her with Hispanic and Latinx communities and highlighted the importance of community during challenging times.
Future Goals and Community Impact
Isabella passionately advocates for initiatives like REPP, viewing them as crucial for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within environmental planning. She describes REPP as a platform that extends invitations and affirms, "This seat is for you." As she progresses through her journey at Tufts and beyond, Isabella's dedication promises to leave a lasting impact on environmental planning and equity. Her story not only celebrates personal achievements but also emphasizes the pivotal role of inclusive educational programs, supported by partners like VHB, in shaping a more just and sustainable future.
Looking forward, Isabella remains committed to leveraging her education and experiences to catalyze meaningful change. She shares, "I am driven to empower cities without environmental justice plans to envision and achieve equitable futures."
Programs, sponsorships, and partnerships like REPP are instrumental in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. VHB eagerly learns from all REPP fellows as they continue their education at Tufts and progress in their careers. As the AEC community fosters collaborations with universities and organizations aligned with these goals, we are committed to supporting such initiatives and working together to build more equitable and inclusive communities.
Discover how VHB actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within our firm and throughout the industry.