Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Janeen Ettienne. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Janeen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I am the Trinidadian daughter of Kathleen Ettienne, who I like to describe as a pioneer because she is a woman of multiple firsts in our family. She is the first born of four, the first to immigrate to this country and the first in our family to graduate from college, successfully obtaining a degree in architecture. My mother’s journey into the world of architecture was one filled with passion, determination, and a desire to break barriers. Despite facing skepticism from some who believed architecture was no place for a “lady”, my mother pursued her dreams with unwavering resolve.

As she embarked on her studies, she found herself often being the only person of color and at times the only woman in her classes. Upon graduation, she was one of few women of color in most professional settings. Despite the occasional dismissive comment or raised eyebrow, my mom remained steadfast in her belief that diversity in architecture was not only necessary but essential for innovation and progress.

While there has been a gradual shift in the industry, with more women and people of color entering the field and challenging outdated norms, there is still a need for us to eliminate barriers to education and career pathways for BIPOC youth.

It is in this spirit that the Urban Design League (UDL) was founded. From the very start, UDL was built on the belief that personal success and community transformation go hand in hand. By providing opportunities for leadership development and fostering a deep sense of belonging, I sought to cultivate not just the minds, but the hearts of young people.

It all began with a simple yet profound idea: that marginalized youth deserve a safe space to learn, grow, and develop the skills needed to shape their own futures. Through the transformative power of Science, Technology, Engineering, Advocacy, Art, and Math – what we proudly call STEAAM – we embarked on a journey to inspire and empower the next generation. Our programs are designed to ignite curiosity, spark creativity, and build confidence, all while instilling the values of collaboration, innovation, and resilience.

Imagine a place where young minds are free to dream, explore, and create. A place where innovation meets inspiration, and where the leaders of tomorrow are nurtured and empowered today. This is the vision that sparked the creation of the Urban Design League. With no corporate sponsors, only the unwavering support of generous individuals and community partnerships, the Urban Design League was born and launched programming in 2023.

UDL addresses a critical gap in STEAAM education by blending environmental advocacy with urban design, offering youth from underserved communities opportunities to apply STEAAM principles in real-world, community-driven projects. While many STEAAM programs focus on traditional STEM education, few emphasize the intersection of these disciplines with leadership and local advocacy, particularly in historically marginalized areas like Brooklyn and Harlem. The Urban Design League empowers young people to tackle pressing issues such as urban ecology, sustainability, and community planning, helping them not only learn scientific concepts but also advocate for equitable solutions in their own neighborhoods. This unique focus on combining technical knowledge with social impact addresses a problem that few, if any, other STEAAM programs are solving.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey began as an immigrant youth of color navigating a new country and, in many ways, discovering myself through the afterschool programs that invested in me. These programs not only gave me academic and social tools but also fostered a deep sense of leadership and community responsibility that shaped my future. I started the Urban Design League to create that same opportunity for today’s youth, particularly in areas where educational and developmental resources are limited.

As the founder of the Urban Design League, I am most proud of creating a space where young people can find their voice, develop leadership skills, and gain confidence in their ability to impact their communities through STEAAM. I want people to know that the Urban Design League is more than just about teaching science or technology; it’s about empowering young leaders to use these tools to create meaningful change in their own lives and the world around them. We focus on not only academic and technical growth but also on building character, community awareness, and advocacy, helping to create a future where young people are not just participants but active, informed leaders in their communities.

Born and raised in the vibrant twin isle Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, my journey in the nonprofit sector spans over 15 years, marked by an unwavering commitment to social justice and civic engagement. During my early years within the sector, I worked in afterschool settings, directed summer programs, and led piloted expansions. At the time my work was focused primarily on the development of young women. It was through this work that I was inspired to return to school and pursue a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Organizational Management and Leadership.

Through my social work education, I gained a deep understanding of the systemic challenges facing marginalized communities, particularly the social, economic, and educational disparities that often leave young people in under-resourced areas without access to opportunities.

Social work emphasizes holistic, person-centered approaches, and that perspective was critical in the design of UDL programming which is not just focused on academic success but also on emotional, social, and leadership growth. By integrating social work principles such as advocacy, equity, and empowerment into the structure of the Urban Design League, UDL not only teaches STEAAM but also fosters social responsibility, leadership, and community action.

The thing I am most proud of is watching our youth transform through our programs. They not only grow academically but develop a sense of agency and responsibility. The Urban Design League cultivates future leaders who have both the skills and the heart to shape their communities for the better. What I want people to know about me and this work is that this isn’t just about education; it’s about creating a long-lasting pipeline of talent and leadership from marginalized communities. I want to ensure that the next generation has both the tools and the confidence to create a future that reflects their visions and values.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I still remember the day I was fired after five years as a site director for an apprenticeship-based nonprofit. It was 7/7/2022 and it came as a complete surprise. I had dedicated so much time and energy to the role, building relationships with the community and working hard to support our young apprentices. But then, the news hit: multiple sites across the national network were shutting down, and my position was eliminated. This was my first time ever being fired, and honestly, it felt like a punch to the gut. I wrestled with feelings of confusion, self-doubt, and uncertainty about my future.

In the midst of that turmoil, I reached out to a colleague who had always been supportive. When I shared the news, they surprised me by expressing excitement for my new path. They framed the situation as an opportunity—an invitation to explore what was next rather than a setback. Their perspective shifted my mindset and opened my eyes to the possibilities ahead.

With my severance package, I took a leap of faith and used it to start the Urban Design League. It felt like a risk, but I knew deep down that I had a vision for empowering young people in my community through STEAAM education and community advocacy. It was time to create a space where they could thrive, and I was determined to make it happen.

Looking back, that pivot moment has been one of the best decisions of my career. Launching the Urban Design League has allowed me to channel my passion for youth development and social impact into something meaningful. I’ve witnessed firsthand how our programs empower young leaders to engage with their communities, advocate for change, and explore their potential. What started as a moment of uncertainty transformed into an incredible journey of growth, resilience, and purpose. It taught me that sometimes, the best opportunities come disguised as challenges, and I’m grateful for the path it set me on.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

First off, I love the book Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown because it offers a transformative framework for shaping team dynamics at work. One of the core messages of Emergent Strategy is that change is inevitable. By embracing this idea, I intentionally encourage team members to view challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. This mindset shift fosters creativity and reduces fear of failure, allowing folks to experiment and find solutions together.

We celebrate wins and process our losses. Recognizing both individual and team achievements, no matter how small, can really boost morale. It is important for each team member to connect to our larger vision. This helps them understand how their contributions align with larger organizational goals and societal needs. This sense of purpose fosters commitment and inspires us to work collaboratively toward shared outcomes, ultimately creating more cohesion.

Understanding how teams function is also crucial for maintaining high morale. Every group goes through stages—forming, storming, norming, and performing. Recognizing where your team is at can help you navigate challenges together. Trust-building activities can go a long way in making everyone feel connected on a personal level. Organize team-building activities, whether they’re fun outings or virtual hangouts, to help everyone bond outside of work tasks. And make sure to create spaces for open dialogue. When team members have a say in decisions and feel empowered to take initiative, their commitment and motivation skyrocket!

At the end of the day, managing a team and maintaining high morale is about empathy, inclusivity, and a willingness to grow together. It is critical for me to create an environment where everyone feels valued, engaged, and ready to drive change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nyudl.org
• Instagram: @urbandesignleague
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeen-ettienne-msw-1a530136/

Image Credits

Image with two girls wearing blue helmets – Credit Princeton Blairstown Center
Group Image with the judge – Credit Friends of the Court
Group image on step – Credit Artcrawl Harlem