Inside the LA Studio—MnDOT - 1.25 PDH (LA CES/non-HSW)

Andrea is a senior landscape architect who manages the Historic Roadside Property and Waysides Program for MnDOT. In this role she leads project selection, consultant selection, and project management for work on historic properties. Prior work includes, Capital Project Management for Dakota County, MN; Landscape Architect at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board; and Park and Landscape Designer for the City of Shakopee, MN. She served as Chair of ASLA Public Practice Advisory Committee and has done extensive community volunteering. Andrea is a St. Paul, MN native who loves travel, gardening, DIY, and is currently re-learning the landscape via kayak.

Carol Zoff is a Principal Landscape Architect, Supervising the Environmental Planning and Design Unit within the Office of Environmental Stewardship at the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Ashley is a planning professional and creative leader with experience in public engagement, long range planning, park and trail planning, public engagement, and project management. She inspires high-functioning teams and works extensively with local leaders and stakeholders to advance community goals and objectives. She enjoys creating relationships with change-leaders and residents within each community she works in. Ashley is equally inspired by Jane Jacobs and Banksy, inspiring her to push creativity and remove barriers. In her current role at MnDOT she is a program leader working with community-based organizations to make aesthetic and environmental improvements in the right of way.

April D. Lucas, Director of Shared Services at Minnesota Department of Transportation; is a landscape enthusiast from St. Paul’s Rondo Community. She has worked on projects such as the Mississippi River corridor byway and bikeway projects, Damage Restitution, and currently the Statewide Blowing Snow Control unit. Her love for landscaping immerged from making mud pies, planting Morning Glories, and roses bushes with her mother in her grandfather’s flower bed. Her passion continues by engaging in family, business, and community projects such as planting with Tree Trust, Habitat for Humanity, and creating emotionally empowering landscapes to bringing positive energy to all.

Nissa Tupper (she/her) works with partners to embed public health and equity practices into state transportation decision-making. Her work includes Includes advancing statewide Complete Streets implementation, integrating public health into the project delivery process, and coordinating with stakeholders to advance healthy, sustainable travel options. Her approach is informed by a diverse professional background in communications, landscape architecture, and public health.