Pedro Cruz Cruz
Pedro is a spatial / social practitioner, educator, visual artist, and public-space advocate whose work bridges design, art, and activism. His practice focuses on community-led spatial initiatives, interdisciplinary collaboration, and storytelling to address themes of sovereignty, labor, and belonging. As Co-Initiator of De Manera Isleña Design Collective, Pedro leads projects that advance cultural preservation, counter-extractive urbanism, and climate-responsive community design in New York and Puerto Rico. His teaching and advocacy center collective action and visual communication through the intersections of spatial justice, labor visibility, and cultural identity in public-space reclamation efforts.
Shadeen Dixon
Shadeen is a Jamaican architectural designer based in Queens, NY. Dixon holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural technology from New York City College of Technology and a Master’s in Architecture from the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at City College. Driven by her Jamaican roots and a deep exploration of Caribbean colonial studies, Dixon aims to create spaces that are visually striking and environmentally, socially, and culturally meaningful. As an advocate for housing justice, she is dedicated to addressing the housing needs of disenfranchised African-American communities. She strongly believes in inclusive decision-making and actively involves community voices in her work.
Danyel Hueyopan
Danyel is a Mexican American architect, designer, and researcher. His work explores the intersection of architecture, history, materiality, and community. With over seven years of professional experience, Danyel has developed expertise in high-end residential renovations, bringing together historic preservation, thoughtful detailing, and contemporary design approaches. Educated at the Spitzer School of Architecture and Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Danyel approaches architecture as a tool for creating meaningful and enduring spaces. His professional background includes work with the Association for Community Design and mentorship through the The Architectural League of New York, experiences that strengthened a commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and community-centered design.
Carlos A. Pérez
Originally from Puerto Rico, Perez earned his Bachelor's degree in Environmental Design from the University of Puerto Rico and completed his M.Arch at Pratt Institute. His academic journey has led him to become an architectural educator with experience as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute and an Adjunct Faculty Visiting Professor at the NYIT School of Architecture. Through his practice he engages architecture and design that centers speculation, and questions the purpose of objects, material culture and the spaces we make around us. He employs alternative materials and fabrication methods to create designs that are environmentally responsive, culturally responsive and adaptable.
Ximena Velasco
Ximena Diaz Velasco is a Mexican-American artist, community organizer, model maker, and landscape designer focusing her career on creating public spaces that engage all communities in order to strengthen peoples’ healing connections to nature and the outdoors. Prior to becoming a landscape designer, Ximena’s undergraduate studies in international development laid the foundation for her commitment to social systemic change. She spent several years working with NGOs and government agencies, focusing on projects that reduce barriers to public spaces, such as libraries and national parks, for under-resourced communities. Additionally, Ximena founded a community fund dedicated to redistributing funds to undocumented service workers during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.