Alexandra Gonzalez ’11 MSAUD, Principal and Co-Founder of the urban design and placemaking / placekeeping studio Hive Public Space, has been named among the first cohort of 100 emerging changemakers selected to participate in the Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA program. The [Obama Leaders program is a six-month program that supports and connects emerging leaders in the United States, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe through a values-based leadership framework inspired by the ideals and legacy of President and Mrs. Obama. Chosen from a highly competitive pool of applications, Alexandra was selected to join the program for her work in equitable public spaces and is ready to build her skills and expand her impact across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

The inaugural cohort of United States “Obama Leaders” is composed of values-driven changemakers from every corner of the country. Hailing from 37 states; Washington, D.C.; American Samoa; Guam; and five tribal nations, these Obama Leaders are united by their passion for building a stronger, more sustainable, and more inclusive world.

Alexandra is a Colombian-American urban designer, placemaker and Design Justice Advocate. She is the Principal and Co-founder of Hive Public Space, an urban design and placemaking studio based in New York City. She brings over a decade of experience designing and transforming public spaces into socially and culturally inclusive environments. She believes in the power of public spaces and strives for her work to create memories and connections while evolving the identity and impact of each community.

“We are excited to welcome these 100 changemakers from across the United States into the Obama Foundation family,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation. “Our newest Obama Leaders are already making a difference in their communities and are ready to take their work to the next level. They embody the values of President and Mrs. Obama, and their impactful work will create positive change in communities across the country.”

The Leaders USA program offers participants a unique and comprehensive experience, including a values-driven leadership curriculum, action labs focused on strengthening democratic institutions and culture in the U.S., community groups for fostering constructive dialogue in a polarized environment, and one-on-one support to help tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time. As part of the six-month program, Alexandra will convene virtually each week with the United States Obama Leaders cohort for interactive sessions designed to help them drive change by honing their leadership skills, building deep relationships with their peers, and engaging with thought leaders and members of the Obama Foundation community. Alexandra will also have an opportunity to engage with President Obama and participate in various virtual experiences and special events, including one-on-one conversations with experienced mentors in the Foundation’s global network.