The David Reznick Foundation (DRF) is dedicated to supporting future affordable housing leaders' educational and career goals. In line with this mission, we proudly announce the 2024 recipient of the Tufts University/Racial Equity in Policy and Planning (REPP) program, which we established last year. The Tufts REPP program promotes racial justice in public policy and planning.
This scholarship program is a testament to our commitment to affordable housing and racial equity, and we are excited to see the impact our recipients will make in the future.
Maria Rodriguez Ortega (’25) (pictured below), a Master of Arts candidate in urban and environmental policy and planning, received $15,000 from DRF.
Maria came to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic when she was 14. She has been interested and involved in environmental justice since that time, focusing on environmental justice and access to green and blue spaces. Majoring in Environmental Science at UMass, she has pursued this passion including through roles with Massachusetts Audubon Society, Save the Harbor, Save the Bay, and the Boston Harbor Women of Color Coalition. She has also campaigned for various environmental leaders.
Maria’s current focus is the Boston waterfront. As a Program Manager with the Trustees of Reservation (in their Waterfront Ambassador's program), she manages programming for a summer youth environmental education and employment program and works on various community organizations and partnerships.
“The REPP fellowship appreciates and incorporates the overlapping areas of food justice, social justice, environmental policy, and affordable housing. This resonates with my interests in intersectionality and the combining of several social justice values. I am thankful to the David Reznick Foundation for supporting my continuing efforts in these areas.”
“The David Reznick Foundation has a long history of supporting community development curriculum in higher education, but we are newly inspired and impressed by each new scholarship recipient we meet,” said DRF Board Member Russell Phillips. “Maria’s obvious passion and commitment are contagious, and we predict she will have a tremendous impact not only on the Boston waterfront but also the world.”
ABOUT THE DAVID REZNICK FOUNDATION
From revitalizing communities to mentoring the leaders of tomorrow, the David Reznick Foundation creates long-term progress within the affordable housing industry by facilitating opportunities for individuals and organizations alike. For more information visit https://www.davidreznickfoundation.org/.
Comments