Giovania Tiarachristie

Giovania, or "G" is working towards a vision of more just and equitable neighborhoods: where historically marginalized peoples are at the front and center of design and planning; and where we can not only survive, but can heal and thrive thrive. They currently works as a Senior Strategist collaborating with Daniel Lim Consulting, helping to build the capacity of organizations to be anti-racist and implement systems change towards social justice.

In their previous role, they served as Deputy Director of Neighborhood Planning at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, leading engagement and coordination in community-based planning processes, such as the Brownsville Plan and Where We Live NYC.

They are also Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee (DivComm) of the American Planning Association New York Chapter, leading initiatives to advancement of diversity and equitable practices in the profession, as well as fostering a supportive community of planners of color. Building on their nationally-renown study "Elephant in the Planning Room," they started MarginUrbanists–a consultancy with an ethos to center the margins, building the capacity of the social sector to work towards racial justice.

Outside of their diversity and planning work, "G" dabbles in life coaching, holistic health and wellness, painting, and cartooning. They runs an Instagram series (@coded_toons) about society, self-care, and self-sabotage. Currently, they are working on a memoire graphic novel on their double-diaspora immigrant experience and the politics of race, class, and belonging.

"G" holds a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from Dickinson, and a Masters of Science in City and Regional Planning from Pratt Institute.

They are a 2010 and 2011 Morris K. and Stuart L. Udall Scholar, a 2013 Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow, and a 2017 Forefront Fellow of the Urban Design Forum. She was also named Brooklyn Magazine's 30 under 30 in 2018.