DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have become increasingly committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the spaces where I work, learn, and teach. As someone born in Finland and moved to the United States, I have witnessed firsthand how culture, race, and language shape identity and opportunity. Additionally, as a parent of biracial children, I have had to navigate the realities of racism and the challenges of finding schools and summer programs that offer diverse, inclusive environments. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the importance of representation and equitable access to education, which I strive to address in my work as an educator and designer.

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My work in design is underpinned by the belief that the spaces we create and access to nature can significantly enhance people’s quality of life. This belief guided my master’s thesis project, the Tiny Branch agrihood in Tallahassee, Florida. The project, which focused on providing affordable, sustainable housing solutions, was intentionally designed to be accessible to individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds. The agrihood project also integrates food security measures, recognizing the intersection between housing, health, and economic inequity. My Pro-Quest published 200-page master thesis dives into the systemic barriers individuals and families face in the affordable housing system. This project aims to design and create hope and inspiration for a more equitable housing future. It is a community economic development project that includes membership for the local community and a year-round farmers market. The project also considers implementing green infrastructure to support efforts against climate change.

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Another project that exemplifies my commitment to equity is my collaboration with Habitat for Humanity in Jacksonville, FL. I designed 50 tiny home interiors for individuals transitioning out of homelessness, focusing on creating affordable, dignified living spaces. With a $100,000 grant, I was contracted to furnish each home with furniture, accessories, and soft goods that would make living here accessible for anyone. This project has allowed me to address housing insecurity directly, an issue deeply intertwined with social class and systemic inequity.

In addition to my work with Habitat for Humanity, my current role as a Consultant on the resilience and disaster recovery team at the Florida Housing Coalition has further shaped my understanding of housing inequities. My research focuses on supporting resilient and affordable home construction across Florida. I’ve contributed to strategies that bolster resilience and disaster recovery, particularly for low-income and marginalized populations. This experience has reinforced my belief that housing design and quality must be equitable, sustainable, and resilient to environmental challenges.

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As an educator, I am passionate about creating opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds to succeed. As a teaching assistant for the Healthcare Studio class at Florida State University, I met with students to give responsive feedback on assignments, understand students' different learning styles, and make space for all students to feel supported.

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Beyond the classroom, my involvement in the Artpod afterschool program at Pine Forest Elementary School  in Jacksonville, FL, has been a rewarding opportunity to give back to my children’s community. This initiative, which I founded with support from the PTA and parent volunteers, provides a safe afterschool place for children to get additional art education, many of whom come from low-income families. I aimed to make Artpod a safe, welcoming environment where children can explore their creativity and be free from financial and social barriers.

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As both a single parent and a professional, my experiences navigating racism, education systems, and equitable design challenges have shaped my commitment to inclusivity and diversity. I would love to bring programs like outreach to underserved communities and create safe, creative spaces where students from all backgrounds can see their potential and have access to become interior designers if they choose.

Additionally, I am eager to continue researching ways to integrate inclusive design practices that include creativity into the curriculum, ensuring that future designers understand their power to impact the world.