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MAGDALENA ARAVENA REDEFINING LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY
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eflective leadership is a key aspect of a successful landscape company. The green industry is people centric–involving employees and clientele with all kinds of race, age, gender and economic characteristics. People in leadership roles should mirror this diverse population. A strong voice in the design industry embodies and advocates for this idea.
Magdalena Aravena is a licensed landscape architect and founding principal of Studio Siembra based in Colorado. She is an active member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), serving on ASLA panels with the ASLA Board of Trustees, building ASLA outreach programs and even as the president for the ASLA’s Illinois chapter. The ASLA has celebrated Magdalena’s work several times, presenting her with the 2020
Outstanding Service Award and the 2021 Emerging Professional Honor. These accomplishments came all within roughly seven years of her personal and professional work. She graduated from the University of California at Davis with a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture in 2015. She is a first-generation graduate, having grown up in Chile and moved to the United States in her early years. Magdalena now manages her own design firm in the Denver area, is a lecturer at the University of Colorado Boulder and a guest speaker at many universities and events nationwide. Magdalena credits her accomplishments to her “yes” attitude, saying she is always ready to step up to any request or challenge. Her vision and goals are also motivators. “I’m always moving, for better or worse!” she says. “I try to say yes to all the opportunities that come, whether volunteering for local positions or being on the task force for an initiative. I’m naturally curious and enjoy being in important conversations. I want to be a game player or decision maker.” Pro Landscaper talked to Magdalena more
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Pro Landscaper USA South May/June 2022 19
