Candidate for Vice President for Communications Beneetta Mary Jose, LEED GA

As a second generation immigrant and first generation college student from Kuwait, my journey into planning began with everything feeling new, the culture, the profession, even the vocabulary of planning. But one thing was never new to me my passion for learning and building better communities.

When I began my masters in planning at USF, I channeled that passion into action. I formed a team of 4 students and led USF's first ever entry into the APA National Student Design Competition. We worked tirelessly, advanced to the finals, and ultimately placed third. Traveling to Philadelphia was only possible because APA Florida Suncoast Section believed in us and invested in our growth. That support shaped me. It made me determined to give back to the planning community that opened doors for me.

Since then, I have served on the APA Student Representatives Council for Region 5 and later as the SRC liaison to the AICP Commission, strengthening communication across chapters, students, and national leadership.

Now, returning to my alma mater, I am ready to give back to APA Florida. I am running for Vice President of Communications to elevate our collective voice, strengthen connections, and support the next generation of planners

What are the three most important challenges facing APA Florida?

The three most important challenges facing APA Florida are keeping members meaningfully connected, making communication feel more personal and accessible, and continuing to show people why planning matters. As someone who came into this profession trying to find my own place, I know how important it is to feel seen, welcomed, and included. Students and emerging planners should not feel like they are standing on the sidelines waiting for an opportunity. I also believe APA Florida has a responsibility to communicate the real impact of planning how it shapes safety, opportunity, connection, and everyday life in communities across our state.

What do you most want to accomplish during your term?

My top priority is to make communication within APA Florida feel more connected, engaging, and human. I want every member from students and emerging professionals to long-time planners to feel informed, included, and proud to be part of this community. I hope to expand digital engagement, highlight the incredible work happening across Florida, and create stronger opportunities for students and young planners to get involved and grow into leadership roles. Most importantly, I want APA Florida's communications to reflect the energy, diversity, and passion of the people who make up our planning community.

How would you make sure your efforts are successful?

I would measure success by keeping our communication intentional, consistent, and grounded in member needs within APA Florida. That means setting clear goals from the start and regularly checking what the data is telling us engagement on newsletters, social media reach, event turnout, and direct feedback from members. But numbers alone aren't enough. I would stay closely connected with section leaders, students, and committees to understand what's landing and what isn't. Most importantly, I would build ongoing feedback loops so members feel heard, and our communications continuously evolve with the people we serve.