We spoke with Ruth Wondemu (she/her), a DUE ’26 student. With a background in Public Health and Emergency Management, Ruth has spent years working to support vulnerable communities. Her experiences responding to crises and systemic inequalities sparked a desire to tackle environmental racism and climate impacts in a more creative, community-driven way.Now in her second semester of the MS in Design and Urban Ecologies program at Parsons, Ruth is exploring new ways to bridge urban justice, sustainability, and participatory design. We sat down with her to discuss her journey, evolving perspectives on cities, and what’s been inspiring her lately.

What drew you to the MS in Design and Urban Ecologies program?

I’ve always been fascinated by the ways people shape cities—and how cities, in turn, shape people. My background in environmental studies made me think critically about land use, displacement, and who has access to resources, but I wanted to go deeper into the social and spatial dynamics of urban life. This program gave me the space to explore those ideas through an activist lens, connecting theory with real-world organizing. It’s helped me refine my vision for designing cities that work for people, not just capital.

How has your perspective on urban spaces evolved since joining the program?

I’ve come to see the city as a constant negotiation—between power, policy, culture, and everyday life. Before, I thought of urban planning as something rigid, but now I see it as deeply contested and full of possibilities. Learning from community organizers has especially shifted my perspective; I’ve realized that some of the most impactful urban transformations don’t come from top-down planning but from people reclaiming space on their own terms.

Tell us about a project you’re currently working on.

I’m currently collaborating with the Student Hub to host an Earth Day upcycling workshop on Monday, April 21st, and Tuesday, April 22nd, from 12–3 PM at the Student Hub (39 1/2 13th St.). This hands-on event will focus on sustainability, creativity, and upcycling, giving students the chance to turn plastic water bottles into planters. I’m collaborating with Student Affairs to collect plastic bottles in advance, so we can put them to good use.

If you see a flyer and a bin around campus and have a plastic water bottle, feel free to drop it off—every bottle helps! ♻️ Hope to see you there!!