Samantha Fajardo, a third-year Master of Landscape Architecture student at Florida International University, never imagined that her path would lead to the steps of the Florida State Capitol. Originally a double major in sociology and criminology with a political science minor at the University of Miami, Samantha had her sights set on law school. But like many, her perspective shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I ended up falling in love with the outdoors,” she reflects. That change inspired her to pivot into landscape architecture, a field where law, people, and place intersect in meaningful ways. Now, she’s thriving in FIU’s LAEUD program, designing outdoor spaces and engaging in advocacy efforts that connect her past interests with her current goals.
On April 1, 2025, Samantha joined fellow students and professionals in Tallahassee for Advocacy Day, an annual event hosted by the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (FL ASLA). Held at the Florida State Capitol, the day focused on meeting with legislators to defend the profession of landscape architecture and the importance of maintaining its licensure regulation.
Samantha, along with University of Florida’s ASLA Student Chapter President Lily Crawford, represented the voice of emerging professionals. Their presence highlighted the essential role student leaders play in shaping the future of the discipline.
“It was incredible talking about the field and its importance in our community,” Samantha shared following the event. “This kind of experience shows that students can make a real difference.”
FL ASLA Advocacy Day brought together key leaders from across the state, including Helen Cohen, FL ASLA President, Kevin White, Government Affairs Committee Chair, and Diana Ferguson, the organization’s lobbyist. Together with students like Samantha, the group worked to raise awareness about the critical role landscape architects play in Florida’s future, especially in the face of environmental challenges, urban growth, and the need for more inclusive public spaces.
For Samantha, participating in governmental affairs through ASLA not only strengthens her advocacy skills but also reconnects her to the legal and civic foundations that first sparked her academic journey. It’s a meaningful blend of interests, where design, policy, and purpose come together.
