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  4. Nominations for Statewide Officers Extended to March 8

Sofia Garantiva, AICP (Candidate for Vice-President of Membership and Outreach Services)

Professional Experience:

  • Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission - Special Area Studies -Senior Planner (April 2021-Present)
  • Hillsborough County - Development Services, Transportation Review -Senior Planner (February 2020-April 2021)
  • Urban Design Studio - Project Planner (October 2015-February 2020); Planning Intern (May 2015-October 2015)
  • City of Delray Beach - Economic Development Intern (December 2014-May 2015)

 Educational Background:

  • Florida Atlantic University - Master of Urban and Regional Planning (2019); Bachelor of Urban Design (2015)

APA Florida/APA Experience:

  •  APA Florida Sun Coast Section - Hillsborough Area Director (2022-Present)
  • APA Florida Chapter - Emerging Planners Group (EPG) Representative (2019-Present)
  • APA Florida Treasure Coast Section - EPG Ambassador (2018-2020)

Position Statement

Serving as the Vice President of Membership and Outreach would be a great opportunity to do more for an organization that advocates for excellence in planning and the professional development of its members. My membership in APA Florida has allowed me to make lasting connections among peers and build valuable leadership skills. Through my involvement in APA Florida, I have become well versed in developing and coordinating activities for members and preparing marketing materials. I have organized social networking and professional development events geared towards emerging planners and students.

As part of my role in the Emerging Planners Group, I have also assisted in the facilitation of the annual Great Places in Florida Award. This initiative that celebrates Great Places in Florida and the communities that sustain them.  I enjoy bringing people together over a common cause or interest and encouraging the exchange of knowledge to better serve our communities and advance profession. In the role of Vice President of Membership and Outreach, I hope to continue programs that engage in community outreach, such as the Community Planning Assistance Teams (CPAT) and continue efforts to promote membership in and awareness of APA Florida.