Diana Lu

Professional Background

Diana Lu is a dynamic and accomplished professional who has dedicated her career to the intersection of urban planning, community engagement, and local journalism. With a rich tapestry of experiences and roles, Diana has effectively contributed to various sectors, demonstrating her commitment to advancing community interests and promoting social equity. Currently, she serves as the Program Manager for The Knight-Lenfest Local News Transformation Fund at the Lenfest Institute for Journalism and the Knight Foundation. In this capacity, she plays a pivotal role in enhancing local journalism initiatives that strengthen community connections and improve information access.

Diana's career reflects a deep-seated passion for community development and engagement. Before her current role, she was the Community Engagement Editor and Food & Neighborhoods Columnist at Root Quarterly, where she explored the nuanced relationships between food, community, and urban spaces. Her editorial work underscores her belief in the power of storytelling and its ability to foster community pride and engagement. Throughout her career, Diana has held significant positions across various organizations, each contributing to her development as a leader in community-oriented initiatives.

From her early career as a Senior Manager in Strategic Communications for Internet Essentials at Comcast, where she worked to bridge the digital divide, to her role as Director of Partnerships and Outreach at The Mayor's Fund for Philadelphia, Diana has consistently advocated for equitable access to resources and opportunities. Her broad experience spans non-profits, journalism, academia, and urban development, reflecting her versatile skills in communication, strategy, and community mobilization.

Education and Achievements

Diana's academic background lays a strong foundation for her professional endeavors. She holds a Master of City Planning with a focus on Public Private Development and Community Economic Development from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. This rigorous program equipped her with the theoretical and practical skills necessary to navigate complex urban environments and implement effective community strategies. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and French from Vassar College, where she developed a multicultural perspective on urban issues, which continues to inform her work today.

Her educational journey merges important themes such as urban planning and community engagement, crafting a unique lens through which she views societal challenges. Diana's achievements are underscored by her participation in several professional committees and boards, including the Young Involved Philadelphia and the Independence Business Alliance, where she contributed her insights towards enhancing community engagement and support for local businesses.

Notable Contributions

Diana Lu's contributions to urban development and community engagement are also notably evident in her various advisory and leadership roles. She has been an active member of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, where her advocacy has helped to elevate the voices and needs of the Asian American community in business. Serving on the Advisory Board of the Women's Community Revitalization Project, she has worked to empower women and strengthen neighborhoods through innovative housing and economic development initiatives.

Moreover, Diana's involvement with education-focused organizations like the Be Your Own Boss Bowl at Temple University's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute showcases her dedication to fostering entrepreneurial education and leadership among future generations. Her role as a coordinator and strategy consultant for the Germantown Info Hub at Temple University is yet another testament to her commitment to community information sharing and outreach.

From overseeing community-centered projects with the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation to working with organizations like the Asian Arts Initiative, Diana's multifaceted experience enables her to bridge gaps between diverse community interests and urban development goals. Her commitment to sustainability was reflected during her time with the San Francisco Department of the Environment, where she contributed to the Zero Waste Unit, demonstrating her focus on environmentally sustainable practices in urban settings.

Conclusion

Diana Lu is a figure of resilience and community advocacy whose extensive background in urban studies and planning, coupled with her vibrant career in journalism and community engagement, makes her a valuable asset to any initiative focused on transformative change in urban environments. With her enthusiasm for food and local culture, Diana embodies the spirit of her projects, always advocating for a better community connection through the transformational power of local journalism and inclusive urban planning.