Today we’d like to introduce you to Janeen Ettienne.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

My journey has been shaped by resilience, community, and the power of inclusive youth programs, all deeply influenced by my Trinidadian heritage. Growing up in Trinidad, I was surrounded by a strong sense of togetherness, creativity, and cultural expression. Whether through storytelling, music, Carnival, or the way people uplifted each other, I saw firsthand how culture can be a powerful tool for connection and empowerment.
When I immigrated to the U.S. during my adolescent years, leaving behind family and the familiar rhythms of home, I struggled with academic disconnection and finding my place in the hustle and bustle of New York City. Navigating a new education system while adjusting to an entirely different way of life was challenging. But it was afterschool programs and youth initiatives that made all the difference. They provided more than just academic support, they gave me mentorship, leadership development, and a true sense of belonging.
Those experiences fueled my passion for youth development and ultimately led me to create the Urban Design League. Through UDL, I strive to provide young people with the same kind of transformative spaces that once shaped me, places where culture, creativity, and community come together to empower the next generation. By infusing the values I grew up with, I ensure that education is not just about learning technical skills but also about self-expression, advocacy, and seeing oneself as a leader.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. As a woman of color and an immigrant, I’ve faced many of the barriers that so many of us encounter in the workforce. Lack of representation, having to work twice as hard to be seen and heard, and navigating spaces that weren’t designed with us in mind. There were moments when I felt underestimated, overlooked, or like I didn’t belong. Imposter syndrome was real, and so was the challenge of finding mentorship and opportunities in spaces where I didn’t always see people who looked like me.

But I refused to let those barriers define me. What helped me push through was the power of connection and finding my tribe, people who saw my value, uplifted me, and reminded me that I belonged in these spaces. I surrounded myself with other women of color, mentors, and changemakers who were also committed to breaking barriers and building something greater than themselves. I learned to lean on community, to advocate for myself, and to create the opportunities that weren’t always readily available.

That’s why I’m so passionate about the work I do today. I know firsthand how transformative it is to have access to support systems, mentorship, and spaces where you feel seen and empowered. Through the Urban Design League, I strive to create those same opportunities for young people, ensuring that they don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. I want them to know that their voices matter, their ideas are powerful, and that they, too, can carve out spaces where they belong and thrive.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

My work is rooted in youth development, education, and advocacy, but at its core, it is about radical joy and liberation. As the founder of the Urban Design League (UDL), I lead an organization that provides STEAAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Advocacy, and Math) programming for young people, with a strong emphasis on leadership, social impact, and outdoor learning. We don’t just teach skills—we cultivate spaces of joy, empowerment, and self-determination, ensuring that young people, especially those from marginalized communities, can see themselves as leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

I specialize in building educational spaces that are culturally relevant, inclusive, and community-driven, blending technical learning with activism and cultural identity. Too often, education is framed solely around discipline, output, and survival. But I believe that joy is an act of resistance, and liberation is a revolutionary act. As poet and activist Toni Cade Bambara once said, “The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible.” I take that same approach in my work, ensuring that learning is not just necessary, it is irresistibly engaging, joyful, and affirming.

What I’m most proud of is the impact UDL has had on young people. Since we opened our doors in 2023, we’ve served over 400 youth from across New York City and even Ghana, providing them with opportunities they might not have otherwise had. Whether that’s exposure to careers in STEM, leadership development, or a sense of belonging in a learning environment that celebrates who they are. One of my proudest moments was seeing a former Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) participant return as a site supervisor, stepping into a leadership role in their own community. These full-circle moments are revolutionary, proof that when young people are given the right tools, they can transform not just their own futures, but their communities as well.

What sets me apart is my intentional approach to education. Many programs focus solely on technical skills, but I believe in teaching to the whole child, integrating social-emotional learning, advocacy, cultural identity, and radical joy into everything we do.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that young people deserve spaces where they can thrive, not just survive. Creating those spaces is an act of revolution, one that I am honored to lead every day through the Urban Design League.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

There are so many ways to work with me, collaborate, and support UDL in our mission to empower young people through STEAAM, leadership, and advocacy. Whether you’re an educator, professional, artist, activist, or simply someone who believes in creating opportunities for youth, there’s a place for you in this work!

Ways to Get Involved:
Donate to UDL – Your contributions help fund our programs, provide materials for hands-on learning experiences, and ensure that young people have access to transformative opportunities. Every dollar goes toward making education more equitable and impactful.

Volunteer to Lead a Workshop – If you have expertise in STEM, the arts, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or any other area that could inspire and equip young people, we’d love to have you share your knowledge. Guest speakers and facilitators bring real-world insights that make learning come alive.

Host an Intern – We are always looking for professionals and businesses willing to provide mentorship and hands-on experience to our youth. Hosting an intern is a powerful way to invest in the next generation while gaining fresh perspectives and talent for your team.

Partner with Us – Whether you’re a nonprofit, school, corporate partner, or community leader, there are many ways we can collaborate. We are always open to exploring co-hosted events, program sponsorships, and strategic partnerships that align with our mission.

Spread the Word – Follow us on social media, share our work, and help us connect with more people who care about education, youth development, and community transformation.

If you’re interested in working together, supporting UDL, or just learning more, let’s connect! Your time, resources, and expertise can make a lasting impact.

Visit us at www.nyudl.org and follow us on Instagram @urbandesignleague

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nyudl.org
• Instagram: urbandesignleague
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanDesignLeague