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Aleena Farishta
Deputy Director at NYC Department of City Planning
Professional Background
Aleena Farishta has built an impressive and diverse career in Urban Planning with a dedicated focus on governance, conflict resolution, and sustainable development. As the current Deputy Director of the Staten Island Borough Office at the NYC Department of City Planning, Aleena plays a pivotal role in shaping urban policies and planning initiatives that aim to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Staten Island. Her extensive experience at the NYC Department of City Planning, where she has held multiple positions including Senior Planner/Team Leader and City Planner, underscores her strategic approach to urban development and city management.
Prior to her role as Deputy Director, Aleena made significant contributions as a City Planner, where she was actively involved in planning assessments and community engagement processes. Her work primarily focused on integrating GIS technology into urban policy decisions, which showcases her ability to link technology and planning methodologies, making her a valuable asset to urban planning practices in New York City.
In addition to her tenure at the NYC Department of City Planning, Aleena has also worked as a Planner at the Bronx Community Board 5, demonstrating her commitment to community-focused planning. Her inception into the field began with her role as a GIS Assistant at the Pratt Center for Community Development, which laid the foundation for her technological expertise in geography and urban planning.
Education and Achievements
Aleena's educational background is impressive. She earned her Master of Science (M.S.) in Urban Planning from Columbia University in the City of New York, where she gained in-depth knowledge and practical skills to address complex urban challenges. Her studies at Columbia helped her hone her analytical and problem-solving skills which have been instrumental in her planning career. Earlier, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Global Studies, focusing on Governance, Conflict, and Resolution from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Here, Aleena not only excelled academically but also laid the groundwork for her interest in the interconnectedness of urban studies and global governance.
Aleena's career trajectory showcases her continuous commitment to professional development and civic engagement. She has participated in various fellowships, including the NYC Community Planning Fellowship at the Fund for the City of New York, where she focused on enhancing community involvement in the planning process. Furthermore, as a Post-Rio+20/Sustainable Development Fellow at the Women's Environment & Development Organization, she contributed to developing strategies that prioritize sustainability in urban development.
Her internship experiences have also greatly enriched her professional perspective. At The World Bank, she served as an Innovation Practice, Mapping for Results Intern, aligning her interests in development and urban planning with global initiatives and big data utilization. Aleena's early involvement as an Outreach and Field Intern at Obama for America symbolizes her longstanding dedication to public service and community engagement.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Aleena Farishta has achieved significant recognition for her contributions to urban planning and policy-making. Her role as a Deputy Director is evidence of her leadership presence in one of the most dynamic city planning agencies in the United States. Under her guidance, the Staten Island Borough Office continues to implement innovative urban solutions that prioritize sustainability and community engagement.
Notably, Aleena's ability to forge relationships with community stakeholders has led to enhanced collaboration between government entities and local populations, demonstrating her effectiveness in executing planning initiatives that resonate with the needs of the community. Her multifaceted experience positions her as a leader in urban planning, known for her strategic thinking and commitment to fostering inclusive city environments.
As an expert in her field, Aleena remains committed to continuous learning and outreach, striving to remain at the forefront of urban planning trends and methodologies. Her dedication to creating equitable and sustainable communities reflects her broader mission to weave urban planning into the fabric of societal development and conflict resolution, making her a prominent figure in New York City’s planning landscape.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
Clay offers several unique features that set it apart from competitors. Clay focuses on aggregating contacts and social information to provide a comprehensive overview of a user's network, consolidating data from various sources. Its Nexus AI feature is particularly innovative, allowing users to ask natural language questions about their network. Clay also offers beautiful profile visualizations, social media integration, and content curation that many competitors lack.
Yes. Clay offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
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