As an emerging professional new to the ULI scene, the ULI Rising Leaders Scholarship afforded me the ability to make the most of my membership through attendance at the 2019 ULI Fall Meeting, participation in the Annual Mentor Program, and involvement in variance other events throughout the year. At first, ULI seemed daunting – with so many committees to take part in and a broad member base – and I wasn’t quite sure how I could contribute my background in landscape architecture and master planning towards the organization. However, over the past year, I’ve been able to attend a range of events and programs, learn from local industry experts, form relationships with real estate professionals, and gain a better understanding of which committees within the organization would be the best fit for me. The value I gained from this scholarship has become particularly apparent during this pandemic, where physical separation has made me especially grateful for the ULI community I’ve gained. I now have a network of professionals to share experiences with, resources to cope with change, and industry insights towards the future. I am truly grateful to have been awarded the ULI Rising Leaders Scholarship, which has ignited my desire to be an active and involved member of my professional organization.

Stephanie Roa
Landscape Architect, LandDesign
Rising Leader Scholarship Recipient, ULI Washington

The goal of the ULI Washington Rising Leaders Scholarship Program is to identify and award rising future leaders who want to increase their ULI involvement and ultimately assume a leadership position within the Young Leader Group structure. To read about this past year’s scholarship program winners, click HERE.