Beneetta Mary Jose: Student Planner of the Year Award
BENEETTA MARY JOSE
In a year brimming with exceptional talent and dedication, Beneetta Mary Jose stands out as the Outstanding Student Planner of the Year, a title bestowed upon her by the Executive Committee after careful consideration of several notable nominations.
Beneetta's academic journey at the University of South Florida, where she is a second-year student in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program, is marked by her exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to advancing the field of urban planning. Her leadership and initiative were prominently showcased during Wednesday’s Project Awards, where she received not one, but two Awards of Merit, highlighting her significant contributions to urban planning projects.
One of Beneetta’s most remarkable achievements this year was her leadership in the American Planning Association’s national Student Design Competition. Despite the demands of a full-time course load and a fellowship position at the Hillsborough County Transportation Planning Organization, Beneetta spearheaded a team of four dedicated students in the challenge of reimagining a neglected brownfield in Philadelphia’s Logan Triangle neighborhood. Serving as the team chair, Beneetta’s efforts culminated in a third-place finish at the National Planning Conference, a testament to her skillful leadership and the innovative spirit of Team Bulls.
Furthermore, Beneetta played a pivotal role in the inaugural USF studio project, partnering with the St. Pete Innovation District to develop comprehensive planning solutions addressing mobility, identity, and critical planning issues. Her focus on parking solutions showcased her ability to tackle core stakeholder concerns with creativity and effectiveness.
Beyond her project-based achievements, Beneetta’s contributions to the planning profession extend to her role as a student representative on the APA National Awards jury and her selection as a recipient of the prestigious USF MURP Fellowship. Her involvement with the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization has produced significant mapping products that support various strategic plans, demonstrating her technical expertise and dedication to impactful planning.
Beneetta's academic excellence is further recognized through the Mark Bentley APA Sun Coast Section Scholarship, underscoring her status as a top scholar within the USF MURP program. Her election to serve on the USF MURP Student Planning Organization highlights her leadership qualities and her commitment to engaging with and contributing to the broader planning community.
Dr. Van Linkous, who nominated Beneetta for this award, praises her as an incredible supporter of the planning profession, noting her natural leadership abilities and her commitment to project success. Beneetta's accomplishments not only reflect her personal dedication and talent but also her potential to shape the future of urban planning.
Please join us in celebrating Beneetta Mary Jose’s outstanding achievements and her promising future in the planning profession. Her contributions have already made a significant impact, and we look forward to witnessing her continued success and influence in shaping sustainable, vibrant communities.