Background

For over a decade Maisha Barnett has worked as a project manager, community volunteer, and public space developer collaborating with noted landscape architects, community groups, commissions, organizations, and individuals. Her experience highlights her ability to work with diverse communities and coordinate with city agencies to deliver thoughtful projects.

Maisha is a Seattle native and a fourth generation Washingtonian. Her love of developing public open space blossomed upon completing the renovation of Powell Barnett Park, a 4.4-acre park named after her paternal grandfather located in Seattle’s Central District neighborhood. The project was completed in 2006 in just seven days with the help of 800 volunteers who donated more than 3,000 volunteer hours. This rare feat was largely made possible by a generous donation of $550,000 from Starbucks Coffee Company and the planning support of the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation. Total construction costs for the park’s renovation was $1.3M, and the positive effect of this effort made a lasting impression on Maisha. This experience inspired her to learn about urban design and planning in an academic setting. Upon research, Maisha discovered Community, Environment, and Planning (CEP) at the University of Washington, a self-directed, interdisciplinary design program within the Department of Urban Design and Planning. She enrolled in fall 2016 and is expected to graduate in spring 2018.