Awards

2023 Council of Fellows Scholarship Winners

The Council of Fellows scholarship program was founded in 2004 to: 

• aid outstanding students who would not otherwise have an opportunity to continue a professional degree program due to unmet financial need;    
• increase the interest and participation of economically disadvantaged and under-represented populations in the study of landscape architecture; and  
• enrich the profession of landscape architecture through a more diverse population.  

Since the scholarship program’s inception, the Council has awarded forty students from over twenty programs across the country. The students have had the opportunity to attend the annual conference where they have networked with members, attended education sessions and special events such as the award ceremonies and the investiture dinner. The students regularly attend the Fellows business meeting where they receive their certificates.  

Your financial support of the scholarship program is essential to meet our goal and ensure we provide the next generation with the funds they need to continue their education. Please donate or pledge now to help us meet our target. Pledges may be fulfilled over a three-year period. Please indicate that the donation is for "Council of Fellows" or "COF" in the "why you support LAF" box. 

Congratulations to the 2023 Scholarship Winners!

 Javiera Diaz-Ortiz 

BLA, University of Maryland

Award: $10,000

Javiera is a senior at the University of Maryland pursuing a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.) and a minor in Sustainability Studies. She is the President of UMD’s SASLA, which is the student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Through SASLA, Javiera enjoys helping to foster a sense of community among students, as well as creating professional development opportunities for the program. She is also involved in a professional environmental fraternity through which she has the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in service and professional projects. She entered the field of landscape architecture through an interest in environmental conservation, and she has held internships at World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Sun Nurseries, and Norton Land Design, a landscape architecture and environmental planning firm. After graduation, she wishes to pursue landscape architecture with special interests in environmental restoration, community engagement, and inclusive design.

Adriel Jimenez 

BLA, University of Florida

Award: $5,000

Adriel, a is Landscape Architecture student with interests to design for the environment and revitalizing ecosystems, low-income housing communities, community gardens, and educational centers, and improving the water quality on a grand scale; through the use of 3D modeling programs, data from GIS, CAD, and research acquired on the sites. His path began with Miami Dade College, during which he won awards from competitions and volunteer service, and then further developed his style of design further developed in Florida International University and at the University of Florida. Currently undertaking a grand scale project (25-mile-long 3D model) involving Sea Level Rise in Biscayne Bay.

  Lily Saephan

BLA, Cal Poly Pomona

Award: $5,000

Lily Saephan is an undergraduate Landscape Architecture student studying at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona. She grew up in Sacramento, California and comes from South East Asian descent. After finishing her bachelor's degree in landscape architecture with a minor in Regenerative Studies and Management and Leadership, she plans to begin studying for a Masters's in Landscape Architecture. She loves learning about how to design to benefit the environment and educating others on this topic.

  Fiorella Sibaja

BLA, University of Arkansas

Award: $5,000

Fiorella Sibaja is a second-year landscape architecture student at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas. She is a motivated student working towards a Landscape Architecture degree and is a hardworking and resourceful individual commended for first-rate collaboration, organizational, and time management abilities. Committed to developing a career path and expanding her work experience to be able to be a successful Hispanic landscape architect and help others in under-represented communities. She is a student with a superior work ethic and good teamwork, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Willing to take on any task to help the team. Reliable and dedicated team player. She enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures, eating delicious food and desserts. She likes baking, listening to music, and watching movies and tv shows. She also enjoys taking pictures, capturing the special moments life has to offer and the beauty of nature. Passionate about being able to create new and improved spaces for people to interact. To be able to improve human and environmental health.