How Small Landscape Architecture Firms Can Take Action on Climate & Biodiversity - 1.0 PDH (LA CES/HSW)

Emily is a Senior Associate and licensed landscape architect at Dana Brown and Associates in New Orleans, Louisiana, with over five years of professional experience. She currently serves as co-chair of the Advocacy Subcommittee of the National ASLA Climate & Biodiversity Action Committee, where she helps develop resources for members and expand the nationwide Climate & Biodiversity Action Network. Emily also serves as Climate Action Chair for the Louisiana Chapter of ASLA, advancing climate and biodiversity initiatives by highlighting how firms across the state are implementing the plan and connecting practitioners with national resources. Driven by a deep commitment to preserving Louisiana’s cultural landscapes and heritage, Emily designs spaces that are both resilient and community centered. 

Aida Curtis has over 35 of experience as a landscape architect, arborist, certified landscape inspector and leader of her firm Curtis + Rogers Design Studio. Leading the Hispanic/Woman-owned landscape architecture firm in South Florida has allowed her to create sustainable spaces that are economically and socially inclusive. Aida’s portfolio includes award-winning transportation, recreational, institutional and civic projects. She serves on the American Society of Landscape Architects National Climate Action Committee and lectures on landscape architecture’s ability to address climate change. Her commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable development and resilient landscapes has benefitted hundreds of municipal, transportation and other civic projects.

Chelsea is an Associate, AICP-certified planner, and landscape designer at Livable Cities Studio, where she focuses on community-driven, climate-resilient planning and design. She is active in external organizations, serving as the Deputy Director of Marketing & Communications for the WxLA organization and serving as President on the executive board for the ASLA Colorado/Wyoming Chapter. She brings strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to advancing resilient outcomes for communities. Chelsea earned dual master degrees in Landscape Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado Denver in 2021.

Amy Syverson-Shaffer is passionate about connecting people to nature and to each other. Her past work as a landscape architect and in business development frames her collaborative approach to taking on big challenges. Today, she is lending her design acumen and contextual understanding to leading sustainability for the modern craft manufacturer, Landscape Forms. Since 2023, she’s served on the ASLA Biodiversity and Climate Action Committee, working to bridge between key efforts by Landscape Architects and their industry partner community. On any given day, you'll most likely find her working in the garden.