Diversity Summits

In 2013, ASLA convened its first Diversity Summit with the goal of developing a deeper understanding of why landscape architecture is failing to attract a more diverse profile. Each summit has brought together a group of experienced and emerging landscape architects who identify as African American or Latinx to design strategies to address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in the field.

About the Diversity Summit

In 2013, ASLA convened its first Diversity Summit with the goal of developing a deeper understanding of why landscape architecture is failing to attract a more diverse profile. Each summit has brought together a group of experienced and emerging landscape architects who identify as African American or Latinx to develop strategies that address diversity issues in the field.

In 2017, the Diversity SuperSummit convened the largest group of attendees to date. Participants evaluated goals from previous summits, developed focus areas for four key diversity initiatives to guide ASLA’s work plan in the coming year, and discussed the future of the Diversity Summit.

In 2019, the Diversity Summit welcomed seventeen landscape architects from across the country who represented a wide array of sectors including residential design, education, horticulture, and urban planning. They were chosen to help address challenges in diversifying the profession and build upon recommendations for a path forward. Participants of the 2019 Diversity Summit took a holistic view of the issues affecting underserved/marginalized/vulnerable communities, as well as an action-oriented approach to identify solutions unique to the landscape architecture profession. Focus items and initiatives will continue to be established and evaluated as ASLA plans future diversity, equity and inclusion activities.