University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Nominated by Robert Schneider, Ph.D.
Marybeth was selected for her passion for transportation planning, mobility justice, pedestrian safety, and community-centered public service. Her work and academic focus reflect the values that drive the planning profession forward: equity, compassion, and a commitment to creating places where people feel dignified, connected, and welcome.
"In my planning career, I intend to continue to pursue transportation planning and mobility justice. The urban planning field can help create spaces for connection and curiosity. My experience at UW-Milwaukee has been a microcosm of these possibilities.
No matter what other uncertainties, I look forward to a career of building places where individuals feel dignified and welcome. This work requires the traditional tools of the planner, as well as an unrelenting commitment to compassion and empathy for the people we serve.
It requires imagination at all scales, from the global and digital, down to the individual teenager trudging through a muddy path just to spend time with friends.”
Marybeth's vision for the future reflects the heart of urban planning: creating communities where people can move safely, build meaningful connections, and experience a strong sense of place.
We are honored to celebrate Marybeth's achievements and look forward to seeing the impact she will continue to make in the planning profession.
Stay tuned for Marybeth's full interview coming September 8th!
Western Washington University
Nominated by Tamara Laninga, Ph.D.
Study Urban Planning is proud to recognize Ladislao “Laddi” Quintanilla as our Spring 2026 Student of the Quarter. The Student of the Quarter program was created to spotlight outstanding urban planning students from across the country who are making meaningful contributions to their academic communities and demonstrating a strong commitment to the future of planning.
Laddi was selected for their passion for spatial justice, housing equity, Indigenous planning, and community-centered futures. Their work and academic focus reflect the values that drive the planning profession forward: equity, sustainability, and a deep commitment to building stronger communities.
When asked about their path in planning and what inspires their work, Laddi shared:
"I am someone who cares deeply about just and fair futures, free communities, and the question of how we share space with more care, responsibility, and imagination than our current systems are conducive to. This describes where my interest in planning, housing, Indigenous studies, and spatial justice align.
Carrying my Chamoru heritage, I try to foster a relationship to place, community, and collective wellbeing that guides me toward meaningful work and the kind of futures worth helping build.
As a young planner, I am committed to planning just futures, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous planning and housing as a human right. I hope to build a professional life that supports non-market housing alternatives, nonprofit housing reform, and policy advocacy, while staying connected to community-rooted and justice-centered planning.”
Laddi’s vision for the future reflects the heart of urban planning: creating systems and spaces that are more just, inclusive, and community-driven.
We are honored to celebrate Laddi’s achievements and look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make in the planning profession.