Janeen Ettienne

As the founding Executive Director of the Urban Design League, Janeen Ettienne is dedicated to unleashing the creative genius within youth, transforming them into confident, compassionate, and fearless community builders through the dynamic power of Science, Technology, Engineering, Advocacy, Art, and Math (STEAAM). Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, she embodies the spirit of community-driven leadership and innovation. Her journey in the nonprofit sector spans over 15 years, marked by her unwavering commitment to social justice and civic engagement. 

With a remarkable ability to translate organizational missions into tangible, results-oriented strategies, Janeen has become a beacon of hope for youth empowerment and social change.

Janeen's educational achievements include a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from York College, CUNY, and a master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) with a concentration on organizational management and leadership from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Her academic prowess is matched only by her passion for mentorship, as she has spent the past seven years serving as a social work field instructor, nurturing the next generation of practitioners.

Through her work, she continues to inspire individuals to be catalysts for positive change, forging a path towards a more just and inclusive world.