On Thursday, May 15th, Andrea Sandoval, recent graduate of FIU’s Master of Landscape Architecture program, represented Florida International University and its College of Architecture + The Arts at ASLA Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. The event is held by the American Society of Landscape Architects, an organization which has a chapter at FIU, with Sandoval as its previous president.
ASLA Advocacy Day opens its visitors to discussion about policy issues related to the landscape architecture profession. During their congressional visits, landscape architects strive to raise the visibility of the profession with legislators and key staff and educate them on the many ways that landscape architects provide solutions to a myriad of problems facing our nation. (Source: http://asla.org/ContentDetail.aspx?id=42580)
“My purpose was to promote Landscape Architecture, to talk about my experience as a Landscape Architecture student, and to discuss issues that are related to our profession,” said Sandoval. “I thought it was important that we – as students – get the opportunity to meet and attend meetings with Senators and Representatives [so] that they can hear the message from us with a different perspective.
Sandoval was able to meet with senators’ staff in the nation’s capital and converse with them about her experience as a professional and as a student at FIU. Also, she took part in the day’s discourse on the maintenance of active transportation programs – like the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and the Safe Routes To School and Recreational Trails program – as well as on the Complete Streets policy for new re-authorization bills. “I learned a lot about transportation issues, and how landscape architects can help to create more livable and economically vibrant communities.”
Sandoval graduated with her MLA in Spring 2014. She was an Ambassador at the Women Who Lead Conference FIU in Spring 2013 and Spring 2014, has been recognized as a Worlds Ahead Graduate, and was a member of the Tau Sigma Delta honor society. She was also the president of the FIU American Society of Landscape Architects student chapter.
The featured image shows the following individuals (left to right): David Ferris, FLASLA President-elect; Andrea Sandoval, FIU Representative; Benjamin Bradley, Staff Member for Senator Marco Rubio; Laura Snider, University of Florida Representative; Kenn Bates; and Kay Williams.
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