Ivy Monroe

Ivy Monroe was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, but moved to Conway, Arkansas, at a young age. Ivy is a graduate of the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts and is a first-generation junior at Syracuse University. They are pursuing a B.Arch. and a B.A. in Policy Studies. At SU, they are the Community Outreach Co-Chair at NOMAS, a member of the Syracuse University Marching Band, and a School of Architecture Peer Advisor. Their focus is on community engagement, urban planning, space-making, and Black spaces. Due to their upbringing, Ivy hoped to bring a future of cheaper and more developed government housing to allow people with financial struggles to feel like they're at home instead of just being in a house. This past summer, they did so. Working with a local Syracuse nonprofit, Blueprint 15, as a Design with Community Fellow. They facilitated a resident-focused design group, wrote grants for first-time home buyers, and mapped out possible brownfield opportunities. Through these experiences, they've learned leadership, commitment, and dedication to their craft. They play video games, read, and paint in their free time.