Bio
Laureen Makar is pursuing a master’s degree in Urban Policy & Leadership at Hunter College, where she previously received a B.A. in Political Science and a Certificate in Human Rights. Laureen has worked in various NYC elected officials’ offices across different government levels as well as nonprofits. She has had the opportunity to address a wide range of local issues that include affordable housing, environmental protection, human rights, and voting rights. Her most recent position as a Public Engagement Trainee at Arch Street Communications focused on expanding the company’s social media presence in the fields of clean transportation, energy, and the environment. Laureen is interested in community urban planning that is centered on environmental justice, urban sustainability, and green infrastructure. She is particularly interested in exploring ways in which communities may implement degrowth economy principles to address climate change on a local level that prioritize the wellbeing of communities and environments over continued profit and overconsumption. This may include community food production, composting programs, greener waste management, and expanding public transit. Some of Laureen’s interests include history, food, art, & pop culture. Some of her hobbies are binge watching tv shows and visiting museums, libraries, cultural landmarks, and new restaurants.
