Talethia Edwards

Why FSU?

The Department of Urban and Regional Planning has emerged as the epitome of excellence and innovation, making it the ideal choice for my academic and personal growth. The department's distinguished faculty and their diverse expertise in urban studies, transportation planning, and environmental sustainability align perfectly with my academic interests. Additionally, the University's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration will empower me to explore the intersection of planning with other disciplines, enriching my understanding of urban complexities.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

My work in the community as a grassroots organizer and advocate plays a huge role in my motivation to pursue a graduate degree. As a resident, I participated in many levels of the community development process, but I recognize the need for increased equity and power sharing among people who look like myself and live in communities like mine. I also realized that in order to impact the change I wanted to see, I needed to learn the technical pieces of the field. A graduate degree would give me access and tools to speak the language of those in power. This knowledge, combined with my passion, will position me to create change as well as contribute to the planning field.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

I am passionate about equitable community development. While developing as a grassroots leader, I realized that there is a need to recognize as well as research the place-based practitioner. My research is called the STARFISH Model; it explores the idea as a resident, neighbor, and advocate as a practitioner in the work of community development. My model focuses on how to recognize them, resource the work, and then replicate the model for large-scale place-based community change.

International Educational Experience

While I was born in Miami, Florida, my family is from Nassau, Bahamas. I grew up in a family deeply steeped in our island roots, from the food to the culture and the dancing. As an adult, I had the honor of visiting the Bahamas and immersing myself in the culture and places I had only heard stories of. That experience was a bridging of what was familiar but not tangible, and it made a great impression on me. Fun fact: When I got my ancestry DNA results back, it stated that I was part Congolese, Eastern European, and 18 percent Pacific Asian. I was a little confused about the Pacific Asian ancestry, and discovered that my great-grandfather was Japanese. He died when my grandfather was a young boy, so we did not know much about him or his life. 

Recently, I was invited to Cape Town, South Africa, to serve as a panel speaker at the Peace Lecture conference and a session facilitator at the Peace Jam Conference. I led a group of young adults ages 14-26 in a discussion themed “The Power of Your Voice.” I was honored for the invitation to South Africa but not prepared for how overwhelming it would be to be in the motherland, to share the stage with Nobel Peace Laureate Tawakkol Karman, and walk hand-in-hand with her as she commended me on the work that I am doing back in the U.S. The most powerful honor of all, I was given a South African name, Thandiwe, which means one who gives love. My heart overflowed with love, connection, and community within the short time I was there. I witnessed the dynamic in the country and huge inequities in the economic systems in the country, but still witnessed the powerful work of the community that is happening there with the Peace Jam South Africa and organizations like Restoring Hope. I participated in a peace walk and assisted the community mother who tends a garden for her community in planting vegetation and fruit trees. I am so connected to South Africa that I am developing an international community resource arm within my nonprofit organization, The HAND Up project, which is an anti-poverty and resource organization that is committed to strategizing ways to combat poverty and low aim. 

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

My advice to anyone considering graduate school is to go for it! The time, commitment, and grit is worth it. Graduate school helps stretch your thinking and provides a new paradigm for whatever interests you may have.

Career aspirations

My career aspirations are to be the go-to voice in the nation and around the world speaking and training on equitable community and leadership development, authentic engagement, and racial justice. I would like to rebrand the title Resilience Planner, which focuses more on the social impacts of the BIPOC community and epigenetic trauma.

Accomplishments during graduate career

• awarded the ACPS Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship, the Florida State Student Leader Award, and the prestigious Richard A. Smith Scholarship
• invited to speak in Cape Town South Africa at the Peace Lecture
• in October 2023, initiated and developed a micro-enterprise community-based Program for Greater Bond, Frenchtown, and Griffin Heights
• served as a resident leader for the SEED Project with ReThink Energy Florida funded by NREL and Department of Energy, facilitator for FSU Women's Leadership Institute, and on ACTIV-6 COVID medical research advisory board for Pittsburg University National Family Leadership Council Member.
• consulted with the Federal Reserve on Fiscal benefits Cliff dashboard