“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”
Welcome, and thank you for visiting my website! I am Nina Idemudia, AICP - a passionate advocate for equity and transformative urban planning.
As a native Detroiter, I have witnessed firsthand how the built environment can either uplift or marginalize communities. This realization fueled my determination to empower individuals and ignite positive change through planning.
My journey began as a planner for the City of Los Angeles, where I was able to make a meaningful impact on local communities. Currently, I serve as the Chicago Recovery Plan Director for the City of Chicago's Department of Planning and Development, overseeing a substantial $246.5M operational budget, which includes $72M from the American Rescue Plan Act and $174.5M of Social Impact Bonds. My primary focus is to ensure that the grants are distributed equitably across 11 critical program initiatives, driving Chicago's economic revival.
Equitable community development, inclusive outreach strategies, and organizational innovation are my areas of expertise. Throughout my career, I have been honored with two awards from the esteemed American Planning Association, and I proudly hold the titles of Vanguard Fellow, New Leaders Council Fellow, and Civic Leadership Academy Fellow. I am a board member of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois - Chicago.
Recently, I achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Black President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association. This achievement reflects my commitment to breaking barriers and creating a more inclusive and equitable future.
If you are looking for a dynamic speaker who can shed light on how to operationalize equity and foster positive change in our communities, I invite you to contact me for speaking engagements. Together, we can explore innovative strategies and actionable solutions to create a more equitable and just society.
I am excited to share my experiences, insights, and passion with your audience, so don't hesitate to reach out. Let's collaborate to inspire and empower others to make a difference. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all.