The Sasaki Foundation announced today the finalists for its sixth annual Sasaki Foundation Design Grants program. These seven teams will pitch to a jury of experts on Thursday, June 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at a public event sponsored by LeMessurier. The Design Grants are an annual competition to showcase projects that support and drive interdisciplinary innovation and empower our local communities.
The power of design belongs to all of us. This is the mantra of the Hideo Sasaki Foundation and a sentence I say over and over again at presentations, with funders, and to our grantees and youth interns. We believe this strongly and are honored to walk this walk every day. Thank you for joining us on our mission towards building a more equitable design industry. Together we have accomplished so much, but we still have lots of work to do!
The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) 2024 Health Promotion Mini-Grant Program is now open for application! This program will award up to $20,000 in total funding to projects that promote healthy eating, physical activity, or youth mental health.
Check out our newly released 2022-2023 Design Grants Research Report to learn more about our fourth cohort’s work, offering innovative solutions to address food resilience, access to childcare, environmental justice, community infrastructure, and gentrification, with an ongoing impact in Greater Boston and beyond.
On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the Sasaki Foundation hosted our first annual Celebration of Design at 110 Chauncy in Downtown Boston. The event saw 130+ attendees and raised $24,000 to support our mission of equity in design. That’s enough to fund a Design Grants Action Grant, a public speaker panel, and 11 SEED students for a week!
The Sasaki Foundation 2023 Summer Exploratory Experience in Design (SEED) program kicks off on July 10. SEED is a six-week paid internship introducing high school students to the world of design. This summer our program will employ 44 high school and 8 college interns compared to 11 and 2 interns in 2022. This growth is possible thanks to our partnerships with SuccessLink from the City of Boston’s Office of Youth Employment Opportunity, and with the Metro North Workforce Board through the Commonwealth Corporation. Sasaki has also significantly increased their mentorship capacity to support our interns.
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[post_content] => [et_pb_section fb_built="1" module_class="mongo-image" _builder_version="4.27.6" background_image="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_7978_wide.jpg" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" module_class="mongo-image-with-text" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Header small text" module_class="slide-big" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"]May 29, 2026
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Header big text" module_class="slide-white slide-massive-2 " _builder_version="4.27.6" custom_css_main_element="font-size:6vw;||line-height:6.2vw;" global_colors_info="{}"]2026 DESI interns complete their community projects
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[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Post Title" _builder_version="4.27.6" text_font="|700|||||||" text_font_size="40px" text_line_height="48px" custom_margin="||50px|" global_colors_info="{}"]2026 DESI interns complete their community projects
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Author" module_class="post-date" _builder_version="4.27.0" text_font="|600|||||||" text_text_color="#d59999" text_font_size="20px" text_letter_spacing="2px" text_line_height="24px" custom_margin="||20px|" text_font_size_last_edited="off|" global_colors_info="{}"]Estefany Benitez
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"]On May 2, the Hideo Sasaki Foundation celebrated our 2026 Designing Environmental and Social Impact (DESI) interns. Interns proudly showcased 17 weeks of growth in their design skills and understanding of their communities. It was a rewarding experience to see them gain so much knowledge from community partners, teaching assistants, and mentors as they explored solutions to the different issues they identified.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_8,1_2" module_class="sasaki-half-image-content-box" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="50px||50px|" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" module_class="order-1" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_8" module_class="order-3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.6" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]Launched in 2024, DESI is a semester-long paid internship that teaches high school students how to use design thinking to create solutions to the environmental and social issues in their communities. DESI interns work on independent projects based in their own neighborhoods. We pair each intern with a professional designer to guide them through their project. By the end of the semester, students have the skills to identify challenges and design and communicate creative solutions.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" module_class="right-col-padding-left-only order-2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_2793_edited-scaled.jpg" alt="high school students in hard hats on a site visit of a building under construction" title_text="DESI 2026 JPNDC site visit" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="DESI site visit with JPNDC" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption1" module_class="caption-1 margin-top-50" _builder_version="4.27.6" custom_padding="|||50px" global_colors_info="{}"]DESI site visit with JPNDC[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" module_class="sasaki-half-image-content-box" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="50px||50px|" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" module_class="order-1" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_7629_wide-scaled.jpg" alt="high school students in a conference room listening to a presentation" title_text="DESI redlining lesson" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="DESI redlining lesson with Anishta Khan from Sasaki" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption1" module_class="caption-1 left-col-caption-1 margin-top-50" _builder_version="4.27.6" custom_padding="|||50px" global_colors_info="{}"]DESI redlining lesson with Anishta Khan from Sasaki[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" module_class="right-col-padding order-2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"]This year, we engaged nine students from six high schools, representing eight unique neighborhoods in Greater Boston. All participants were people of color, emphasizing our commitment to amplify diverse communities and equity in design.
Our 2026 interns participated in 207 hours of high-quality design education programming. They learned the fundamentals of design through professional designers. Experienced educators, activists, and community groups introduced them to various environmental and social impact lessons. All interns reported their DESI experience expanded their knowledge of the design process. Interns also practiced their digital design skills through software workshops on Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and SketchUp. Through thoughtful research, students were able to identify how informed design could benefit their own surroundings.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"]Jose Mari Antonio from Allston identified neighborhood fragmentation created by the Mass Pike. His design creates overpasses and a visitor center for community members to gather and enjoy views of the skyline and the Charles River.
Garnet Brown Jr. from Dorchester aimed to combat gun violence and prevent youth from joining gangs. He designed a youth center where students could feel a sense of community and creativity.
Xintong Guo from Bay Village designed an age-appropriate modular play structure for adolescents. This space would allow middle and high school students to enjoy physical play and passive use.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="237214,237212,237218" posts_number="3" show_pagination="off" _builder_version="4.27.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"]Marwa Naciri from East Boston sought to prevent gentrification. Her design creates an affordable housing unit that preserves and celebrates the culture of the community.
Jonatan Vasquez from Everett researched the overcrowding Everett High School is experiencing. His design adapts a building nearby, turning it into gathering spaces for teachers, and additional classrooms designed for STEM education.
Yadiel Velez from Chinatown designed a new concept for the Chinatown section of the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Her design would increase comfort in the area and enhance community interaction.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="237216,237213,237219" posts_number="3" show_pagination="off" _builder_version="4.27.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"]Nalla Whitelock from Dorchester recognized local students need a recreational alternative to South Bay Shopping Center. Her design creates a biophilic youth space for recreational and educational activities.
Mahedra Yadav from Somerville identified neighborhood displacement due to soaring housing costs. Her design creates an affordable housing complex that embodies the meaning of community.
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Get a closer look at the 2026 DESI experience on Instagram with our DESI 2026 highlights, and watch the final presentations on YouTube.
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A special thank you to the following contributors for showing outstanding dedication as they supported our interns through their projects and learning.
DESI Mentors: Jared Barnett, Sasaki; Wendy Chavez, Workflow Interiors; Michele Chen, Sasaki; Ishan Ethridge, Sasaki; Joel Kamm, Flexetail; Mytreyi Metta, Sasaki; Marcos Muriel, LiRo-Hill; Risako Nozaki, MIT DUSP; Elise Park, Sasaki; Asmita Patnaik, Sasaki; Ankita Shah, Peabody Office; Kiara Wong, Sasaki
Design Lesson Facilitators: Isaac Andrade, Sasaki; Jared Barnett, Sasaki; Edward Bartholomew, Light Justice; Ignacio Cardona, Wentworth Institute of Technology; Jesse Flores, Sparkshare; Hannah Fuller, Sasaki; Inma Gil Cerezo, Sasaki; Anishta Khan, Sasaki; Nikita K, Sasaki; Mark Lewis, Walker Consultants; Mariana Majima, Sasaki; Enzo Mignano, Sasaki; Jay Nothoff, Sasaki; Taino Palermo, Center for Indigenous Peoples Rights; Luci Silva-Santisteban, Sasaki; Shovan Shah, Sasaki; Alexander Sterling, Turtle Island Community Capital; Allison Toonen-Talamo, Walker Consultants; Anna Zaremba, MIT DUSP
Site Visit Hosts: Ricky Guerra, Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation; Naoise McDonnell, Boston Planning Department; Lucia Peña-Banda, Boston Planning Department
The Hideo Sasaki Foundation would also like to thank the DESI staff and teaching assistants: Estefany Benitez, Program Manager; Folajimi Bademosi, Program Coordinator; Alexis Mazzatta, Design Lead; Edwarda Parkinson, teaching assistant, Northeastern University architecture student, and 2023 and 2024 SEED alum; and Lucinda Sun, MIT architecture and planning student.
Finally, thank you to all of the DESI funders, partners, and supporters who make this program possible.
Funders: Commonwealth Corporation via Metro North Workforce Board, City of Boston Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, Sasaki
Supporting Organizations: City of Boston Planning Department, Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation
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[post_excerpt] => On May 2, the Hideo Sasaki Foundation celebrated our 2026 Designing Environmental and Social Impact (DESI) interns. Interns proudly showcased 17 weeks of growth in their design skills and understanding of their communities. It was a rewarding experience to see them gain so much knowledge from community partners, teaching assistants, and mentors as they explored solutions to the different issues they identified.
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[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" module_class="padding-top-0" _builder_version="4.16" background_image="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/blog-background.png" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_margin="50px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Post Date" module_class="post-date" _builder_version="4.27.6" text_font="|600|||||||" text_text_color="#d59999" text_font_size="20px" text_letter_spacing="2px" text_line_height="24px" custom_margin="||20px|" text_font_size_last_edited="off|" global_colors_info="{}"]May 29, 2026
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Post Title" _builder_version="4.27.6" text_font="|700|||||||" text_font_size="40px" text_line_height="48px" custom_margin="||50px|" global_colors_info="{}"]2026 DESI interns complete their community projects
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Author" module_class="post-date" _builder_version="4.27.0" text_font="|600|||||||" text_text_color="#d59999" text_font_size="20px" text_letter_spacing="2px" text_line_height="24px" custom_margin="||20px|" text_font_size_last_edited="off|" global_colors_info="{}"]Estefany Benitez
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"]On May 2, the Hideo Sasaki Foundation celebrated our 2026 Designing Environmental and Social Impact (DESI) interns. Interns proudly showcased 17 weeks of growth in their design skills and understanding of their communities. It was a rewarding experience to see them gain so much knowledge from community partners, teaching assistants, and mentors as they explored solutions to the different issues they identified.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_8,1_2" module_class="sasaki-half-image-content-box" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="50px||50px|" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" module_class="order-1" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_8" module_class="order-3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="sasaki-post-content body-text" _builder_version="4.27.6" text_font_size="20px" text_line_height="24px" header_3_font="|700|||||||" header_3_font_size="40px" global_colors_info="{}"]Launched in 2024, DESI is a semester-long paid internship that teaches high school students how to use design thinking to create solutions to the environmental and social issues in their communities. DESI interns work on independent projects based in their own neighborhoods. We pair each intern with a professional designer to guide them through their project. By the end of the semester, students have the skills to identify challenges and design and communicate creative solutions.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" module_class="right-col-padding-left-only order-2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_2793_edited-scaled.jpg" alt="high school students in hard hats on a site visit of a building under construction" title_text="DESI 2026 JPNDC site visit" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="DESI site visit with JPNDC" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption1" module_class="caption-1 margin-top-50" _builder_version="4.27.6" custom_padding="|||50px" global_colors_info="{}"]DESI site visit with JPNDC[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" module_class="sasaki-half-image-content-box" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="50px||50px|" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" module_class="order-1" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_7629_wide-scaled.jpg" alt="high school students in a conference room listening to a presentation" title_text="DESI redlining lesson" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="DESI redlining lesson with Anishta Khan from Sasaki" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption1" module_class="caption-1 left-col-caption-1 margin-top-50" _builder_version="4.27.6" custom_padding="|||50px" global_colors_info="{}"]DESI redlining lesson with Anishta Khan from Sasaki[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" module_class="right-col-padding order-2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"]This year, we engaged nine students from six high schools, representing eight unique neighborhoods in Greater Boston. All participants were people of color, emphasizing our commitment to amplify diverse communities and equity in design.
Our 2026 interns participated in 207 hours of high-quality design education programming. They learned the fundamentals of design through professional designers. Experienced educators, activists, and community groups introduced them to various environmental and social impact lessons. All interns reported their DESI experience expanded their knowledge of the design process. Interns also practiced their digital design skills through software workshops on Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and SketchUp. Through thoughtful research, students were able to identify how informed design could benefit their own surroundings.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"]Jose Mari Antonio from Allston identified neighborhood fragmentation created by the Mass Pike. His design creates overpasses and a visitor center for community members to gather and enjoy views of the skyline and the Charles River.
Garnet Brown Jr. from Dorchester aimed to combat gun violence and prevent youth from joining gangs. He designed a youth center where students could feel a sense of community and creativity.
Xintong Guo from Bay Village designed an age-appropriate modular play structure for adolescents. This space would allow middle and high school students to enjoy physical play and passive use.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="237214,237212,237218" posts_number="3" show_pagination="off" _builder_version="4.27.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"]Marwa Naciri from East Boston sought to prevent gentrification. Her design creates an affordable housing unit that preserves and celebrates the culture of the community.
Jonatan Vasquez from Everett researched the overcrowding Everett High School is experiencing. His design adapts a building nearby, turning it into gathering spaces for teachers, and additional classrooms designed for STEM education.
Yadiel Velez from Chinatown designed a new concept for the Chinatown section of the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Her design would increase comfort in the area and enhance community interaction.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="237216,237213,237219" posts_number="3" show_pagination="off" _builder_version="4.27.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text module_class="bod-bio body-text" _builder_version="4.27.6" global_colors_info="{}"]Nalla Whitelock from Dorchester recognized local students need a recreational alternative to South Bay Shopping Center. Her design creates a biophilic youth space for recreational and educational activities.
Mahedra Yadav from Somerville identified neighborhood displacement due to soaring housing costs. Her design creates an affordable housing complex that embodies the meaning of community.
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Get a closer look at the 2026 DESI experience on Instagram with our DESI 2026 highlights, and watch the final presentations on YouTube.
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A special thank you to the following contributors for showing outstanding dedication as they supported our interns through their projects and learning.
DESI Mentors: Jared Barnett, Sasaki; Wendy Chavez, Workflow Interiors; Michele Chen, Sasaki; Ishan Ethridge, Sasaki; Joel Kamm, Flexetail; Mytreyi Metta, Sasaki; Marcos Muriel, LiRo-Hill; Risako Nozaki, MIT DUSP; Elise Park, Sasaki; Asmita Patnaik, Sasaki; Ankita Shah, Peabody Office; Kiara Wong, Sasaki
Design Lesson Facilitators: Isaac Andrade, Sasaki; Jared Barnett, Sasaki; Edward Bartholomew, Light Justice; Ignacio Cardona, Wentworth Institute of Technology; Jesse Flores, Sparkshare; Hannah Fuller, Sasaki; Inma Gil Cerezo, Sasaki; Anishta Khan, Sasaki; Nikita K, Sasaki; Mark Lewis, Walker Consultants; Mariana Majima, Sasaki; Enzo Mignano, Sasaki; Jay Nothoff, Sasaki; Taino Palermo, Center for Indigenous Peoples Rights; Luci Silva-Santisteban, Sasaki; Shovan Shah, Sasaki; Alexander Sterling, Turtle Island Community Capital; Allison Toonen-Talamo, Walker Consultants; Anna Zaremba, MIT DUSP
Site Visit Hosts: Ricky Guerra, Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation; Naoise McDonnell, Boston Planning Department; Lucia Peña-Banda, Boston Planning Department
The Hideo Sasaki Foundation would also like to thank the DESI staff and teaching assistants: Estefany Benitez, Program Manager; Folajimi Bademosi, Program Coordinator; Alexis Mazzatta, Design Lead; Edwarda Parkinson, teaching assistant, Northeastern University architecture student, and 2023 and 2024 SEED alum; and Lucinda Sun, MIT architecture and planning student.
Finally, thank you to all of the DESI funders, partners, and supporters who make this program possible.
Funders: Commonwealth Corporation via Metro North Workforce Board, City of Boston Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity, Sasaki
Supporting Organizations: City of Boston Planning Department, Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_8,3_4,1_8" _builder_version="4.16" use_background_color_gradient="on" background_image="https://www.sasakifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/previous-post.png" custom_padding="100px||100px|" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_8" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="PREVIOUS POST" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="|600|||||||" text_font_size="20px" text_letter_spacing="2px" text_line_height="24px" global_colors_info="{}"]PREVIOUS POST[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Previous Post Link" _builder_version="4.27.0" text_font="|700|||||||" text_font_size="40px" text_line_height="48px" custom_margin="50px|||" global_colors_info="{}"]Sasaki Foundation Releases 2024 Annual Report
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[post_excerpt] => On May 2, the Hideo Sasaki Foundation celebrated our 2026 Designing Environmental and Social Impact (DESI) interns. Interns proudly showcased 17 weeks of growth in their design skills and understanding of their communities. It was a rewarding experience to see them gain so much knowledge from community partners, teaching assistants, and mentors as they explored solutions to the different issues they identified.
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