03/03/2026
How might we design a better neighborhood?
Recently, we had the privilege of exploring that question with young residents of Jefferson-Puritas during an interactive workshop led by Jacinda Walker, graphic designer and founder of , and co-facilitated by Seventh Hill as part of the Grow Jefferson-Puritas neighborhood plan. Big thanks to staff for helping to organize and host the event.
In just 90 minutes, Jacinda guided students through a conversation about the design process and career pathways in the creative professions, an ideation exercise focused on neighborhood opportunities, a visual preference survey, and a hands-on prototyping session where students built models of the amenities and spaces they want to see in their community.
I have deep admiration for Jacinda’s dedication to youth engagement. She is second to none when it comes to preparing for and facilitating workshops that are thoughtful, interactive, and genuinely empowering. It’s remarkable how much instruction, discussion, creativity, and fun she can pack into a single session.
Youth engagement is a meaningful component in a planning process. These students aren’t just future stakeholders; they are current experts in how their neighborhood works (and doesn’t work).
Looking forward to co-leading two more workshops this week — one with high school students at John Marshall School of Engineering and another with 7th and 8th graders at Robinson G. Jones School. Grateful to be working alongside partners who take young voices seriously.
đź”— JeffersonPuritas.org/grow
