Elisa Castañeda graduated from Mississippi State University in 2024 with her B. Arch. She is currently a research assistant at Columbia University, and obtaining a Master's of Science in Urban Planning as a Dean's Scholar. During her time at the JCDC, Elisa worked on several ongoing projects, including the Farish Street Green Commons, and the micro parks flood mitigation projects in West Jackson. Her favorite part of the job was being able to work with community stakeholders, from grassroots organizations, to nonprofits and government entities. Her time in Jackson greatly shaped her interests in public infrastructure, and hopes to return in the future.