Patricia “Pati” Argueta-Medina (she/her/ella) joined the Design Trust in February 2022 as Administrative Manager. Previously, she served as the Faculty Program Assistant for the Barnard College Education Program. As a nonprofit professional, Pati is passionate about strengthening mission-driven organizations from within, and centers equity, inclusion, belonging, and sustainability in her work. Pati holds a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish & Latin American Cultures from Barnard College, Columbia University.
Dakota is a first year graduate student at the Pratt Institute in Urban Placemaking & Management, with a Bachelor's degree in Community Development & Planning. Her background spans communications, storytelling, and design projects with community-based organizations, as well as research experience on equity in the design of public space. Dakota is interested in Black and Indigenous architecture and justice-centered design and planning.
Matthew Clarke joined the Design Trust in May 2020 as Executive Director, where he advocates for the power of public space to build vibrant, equitable communities. As an architect, planner, and writer, he has advanced complex architectural and urban design projects; developed public-space policies; and developed national partnerships and initiatives. Prior to leading the Design Trust, Matthew was the National Director of Creative Placemaking at The Trust for Public Land, where he authored The Field Guide for Creative Placemaking and Parks. He has also held positions at SHoP Architects, NYC’s Department of Cultural Affairs, and LTL Architects. He was a German Marshall Fund Urban Policy Fellow, member of Next City’s Urban Vanguard, and winner of the international KPF Prize. Matthew serves as a Trustee of Bennington College and as Vice-President of the Lucille Lortel Foundation. He studied at Princeton University and the University of Kentucky.
Elana Ehrenberg joined the Design Trust in October 2019 as a program manager, managing projects and researching policy. Now, as our Director of Strategic Partnerships, Elana coordinates our policy and advocacy work for a more equitable and sustainable public realm. Previously, Elana was the Community Relations Manager at NYC Ferry Operated by Hornblower, where she managed the ferry’s government relations and community outreach since its launch in 2017. Elana worked to create strategic partnerships with local businesses, civic groups and non-profits in all of the neighborhoods surrounding NYC Ferry landings. Before joining the ferry, she worked in the New York City Council where she was the Director of Special Projects for Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, managing the Participatory Budgeting process. Elana received her B.A. from New York University studying music, but after college she became interested in access to public space and transportation while working for a local music festival. She is the recipient of City & State’s Responsible 100 award (2018) and was a member of Coro’s Leadership New York program (2019). Elana enjoys watercolor painting, talking about local politics, and open streets. Email Elana.
Alexa Mauzy-Lewis (She/They) joined the Design Trust in January 2022, advocating to protect and increase the accessibility of New York City's public spaces through storytelling and thoughtful outreach. She believes public spaces are an important vehicle for disrupting inequality and empowering communities. Prior to joining the Design Trust, Alexa worked as a public relations specialist at the intersection of many social justice spaces, leading media advocacy and communications strategy for a variety of New York City institutions, including labor advocates, public health organizations, climate activists, educational nonprofits, LGBTQ+ rights groups, and more.
She received a Master’s in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism from the New School for Social Research, with a minor in Design Studies from Parsons School of Design, where she worked as a teaching assistant and student advisor. She also holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from Pace University in New York City, where she now teaches as an adjunct in the media studies department. Alexa currently lives in Brooklyn with her cats, Frog and Toad, where they all love to birdwatch. Email Alexa.
Akemi joined Design Trust in March 2021 as Senior Planner and Designer for the Open Streets Coalition.
Prior to joining the Design Trust, Akemi led public space and disaster recovery projects in various cities throughout Latin America and the US, specifically community-based projects that integrate local knowledge, technical expertise, and public-private investment. Her work includes a flood management park with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in Ciudad Juárez, México; ravine protection policies for fire risk reduction in Valparaíso, Chile; and the downtown revitalization plan for San Salvador, El Salvador.
Akemi is co-founder of a non-profit called Sustrato and a street furniture company called M+Urbano, both based in Mexico City. Through these ventures, Akemi has coordinated public space projects at various scales, from the restoration of a 74-acre ravine ecosystem to the construction of a 1,600-square feet community park.
Akemi holds a Master in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor in Architecture degree from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Mexico City. Email Akemi.
Alisa Schierman has been a member of the Design Trust staff since 2017. She has over two decades of non-profit management and fundraising experience. Prior to joining the Design Trust, Alisa was the Director of Development at New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) for over 8 years, where in partnership with NYTWs leadership was able to turn a $1 million deficit into a $2 million cash reserve.
Her areas of expertise include: board development, major gift and individual giving strategy, as well as a deep knowledge of foundation fundraising. Alisa holds a Master's Degree in Urban Affairs from Hunter College. She is also a classically trained singer and is an alumni member of the New York Community Chorus. Email Alisa.