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James Rojas
Community Engagement
Professional Background
James Rojas is a renowned figure in the realm of Latino Urbanism, art, and community engagement. With a background deeply rooted in urban planning and design, Rojas has made significant strides in promoting culturally responsive urban environments. He is best known as the founder of Placeit, a community-driven initiative focused on urban placemaking and engagement, aimed at fostering inclusive public spaces that reflect the needs and desires of diverse communities. His expertise in urban design is complemented by his extensive career, which includes serving as a transportation planner for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, where he played a crucial role in planning transportation solutions that cater to the multifaceted nature of urban mobility.
Rojas has also been at the forefront of Latino representation in urban planning. As a co-founder and former co-chair of the Latino Urban Forum, he has worked tirelessly to uplift Latino voices within the planning conversation. His experiences as an environmental advisor during his service with the Peace Corps have further deepened his commitment to sustainable and equitable urban development. Rojas has built an impressive portfolio that includes project management roles at various prestigious organizations and a notable stint as a photographer during his military service in the U.S. Army.
Education and Achievements
James Rojas’ academic journey is as impressive as his extensive professional career. He studied City Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he obtained both his Masters of City Planning (MCP) and Masters of Science in Architecture Studies. His educational foundation is further solidified by a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Woodbury University, which has undoubtedly contributed to his holistic understanding of space and design.
Rojas’s commitment to his field is reflected in his continuous pursuit of innovation and knowledge. His academic achievements are complemented by his current collaboration with John Kamp, co-writing a book for Island Press, focused on the transformative power of participatory design practices within urban settings. This venture underscores his dedication to advancing urban discourse through accessible and engaging communication.
Notable Contributions
One of Rojas's notable achievements is his founding role in various organizations dedicated to urbanism and community engagement. As the founder of Placeit, he has spearheaded initiatives that not only encourage community participation in the design process but also help to empower residents in shaping their urban landscapes. Under his leadership, Placeit has developed unique strategies for engaging underserved communities, ensuring their input is valued and incorporated into urban planning processes.
His previous ventures, such as Gallery 727, have illustrated his passion for merging art and urbanism. Rojas has consistently advocated for the intersection of artistic expression and urban life, believing that art plays a vital role in community identity and cohesion. This conviction has remained a guiding principle throughout his career, impacting the way he approaches urban development projects.
His past roles, such as his tenure at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Santa Monica Planning, reflect his hands-on experience in managing complex urban projects and navigating the challenges of modern urbanization. His ability to synthesize elements from diverse fields—architecture, city planning, and community engagement—exemplifies his innovative approach to urbanism.
In his capacity as an environmental advisor in the Peace Corps, Rojas embraced the challenges of sustainable development while advocating for environmental stewardship and community resilience, leveraging his knowledge for the benefit of both local and global communities.
James Rojas remains a frontrunner in the field of Latino Urbanism, continuing to inspire others through his dedication to social equity, environmental justice, and artistic expression within urban settings. His multifaceted career and vast expertise position him as a vital contributor to the city planning and community engagement professions. Rojas’s journey serves as a testament to the power of inclusive urban planning and the ongoing quest to create spaces that truly reflect the diverse fabric of our communities.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
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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.
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