Kritika Vidyashankar

About Kritika Vidyashankar

I am an urban planner with experience supporting complex projects across infrastructure…

Experience

1. Board Member

   Design Connect

   Jan 2025 — Present

   As Chair of the Board for Design Connect, I provide strategic leadership for Cornell’s student-led urban planning and design organization. I oversee strategic planning, fundraising, recruitment, and organizational management to support 16+ project managers and 120+ student participants each semester. My role emphasizes building partnerships across university departments and external stakeholders, while ensuring that projects address pressing community planning challenges.I coordinate the selection and review of 20+ project applications annually, guiding decision-making processes to align with organizational priorities and community needs. In addition, I organize and facilitate 12+ events per semester, including project reviews, professional development workshops, and social events, all designed to foster collaboration, mentorship, and peer-to-peer learning.Through this work, I strengthen cross-sector collaboration and expand opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in urban planning, design, and community engagement. By leading a diverse team and aligning efforts with long-term goals, I help sustain Design Connects role as a bridge between academia and practice.

Education

• CEPT University

  Bachelor's degree

  2018 — 2024

• Cornell University

  Masters

  2024 — 2026