I grew up in the small rural town of Charleston, Illinois, where I became interested in how cities develop and how planning decisions impact communities. My curiosity led me to pursue an Urban Planning degree with a Sustainability concentration at the University of Illinois. My academic interests and professional experiences reflect many qualities Stelios Aktipis valued community service, intellectual engagement, and a commitment to innovation. I chose to study Urban Planning because it combines problem-solving, research, and community impact. I hold a 3.95 GPA, earned Dean’s List honors, and was recognized with the 2025 Special Achievement Award from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. In addition to my academic work, it is important to me to participate in related extracurricular activities. I’m a member of the American Planning Association, serve as an Undergraduate Ambassador, and participated as a panelist for the “Planning for Next Semester and Beyond” student event. I’ve also attended the Illinois State Annual APA Conference and the ILCMA Winter Conference, which helped me better understand how planning works. Hands-on experience has been a central part of my learning. Most recently, I’ve worked as a planning intern for the City of Champaign. I led zoning enforcement tasks, created site plans, and supported multi-family housing design standards research. Before that, I interned with the City of Arcola. I conducted a housing stock survey for the Illinois Housing Development Authority, released findings from a parks and recreation survey, and updated zoning maps to improve land-use planning. These internships gave me practical skills in data analysis, GIS, and communication, while reinforcing the importance of planning decisions with community needs in mind. My interest in local government and policy has also been shaped by work outside planning. I spent two summers as a Deputy Circuit Clerk at the Coles County Courthouse, where I managed confidential records and worked closely with attorneys, judges, and members of the public. These experiences gave me better understand the systems that support local government operations and strengthened my professionalism and time management. Since 2019, I have been an active conservation volunteer in Coles County, contributing hundreds of hours to pollinator habitat restoration and local environmental initiatives. This volunteer work is very important to me and connects my love for sustainability with my passion for community service. In addition to my coursework and internships, I completed an independent study focused on creating a feasibility study for a new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in Charleston. I researched TIF districts in similar communities, collected local field data, and used ArcGIS Pro to create relevant planning maps. I enjoy this kind of research because it challenges me to think critically about economic development tools and their impact on communities. Stelios Aktipis’ legacy, especially his role as Chairman of the Village of Oak Brook Planning Commission, resonates with me as someone pursuing a local planning and governance career. I believe in data-informed, community-oriented, and sustainable planning. The Aktipis Entrepreneurship Fellowship would help support my continued education and professional development in Urban Planning. Like Stelios Aktipis, I am committed to public service and to using my education to impact others positively.