Alumni
The Urban Management (UM) Degree Program has over 400 alumni all over the world – in approximately 65 countries, on all continents. They work in local administrations, ministries, in private or semi-private planning offices, NGOs, international institutions, universities etc.
Hereinafter you can find a collection of portraits of our alumni from all over the world recounting their motivations for participating in the Urban Management Degree Program and their experience during and after finishing.
Our alumni are further connected through the UM Alumni Network, that was founded by UM alumni in spring 2012.
Maria Teresa Agurcia, Honduras
"My background in literature allowed me to work in content creation in my home town of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, as well as for international publications. One of these publications focused on urban revitalization in historical districts. I grew from an editor’s role to participating in urban acupuncture projects and citizen participation processes. I realized I needed more technical know-how to continue working in cities.
The Urban Management Program at the Technical University of Berlin equipped me with a theoretical framework to better understand and navigate cities, complex systems which never go by the book. Additionally, it provided all the necessary resources to resolve large-scale and multisector issues. Since graduation, I’ve worked in capacity building alongside entrepreneurs, public policy strengthening, and digital marketing for SMEs. I’ve also engaged with multilateral entitites and international initiatives (like the Partnership for Central America), identifying important metrics for success.
In addition to working in public and private environments that relate to city life, the UM program endows its students with high functioning management skills, which are translatable to any professional setting."
March 2024
Sashank Sharma, India
"After spending 4 years practicing architecture in India, I enrolled in the Urban Management program at TU Berlin. This decision not only expanded my professional horizons but also deepened my understanding of various urban management practices. Intrigued by the migration dynamics, my academic pursuit culminated in a thesis addressing the critical issue of social security for low-income migrants in India.
Following the completion of my thesis, a remarkable opportunity arose for me to contribute to the Central Tibetan Administration - Capacity Building and Sustainability Initiative (CTA-CBSI), funded by USAID. Addressing one of the most remarkable cases of migration, this initiative, facilitated by the program's implementation partners, the National Democratic Institution (NDI) and the International City Management Association (ICMA), operates through a field office in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Within this framework, my role as the representative of the Urban Management Centre (UMC) involves close collaboration with stakeholders from CTA, NDI and ICMA, ensuring the seamless execution of project objectives and fostering effective coordination among all involved parties. My work encompasses a range of responsibilities aimed at enhancing institutional capacities and operational efficiency within CTA, such as: Benchmarking data management systems, overseeing GIS mapping activities to chart Tibetan settlements in India or developing and administering a comprehensive staff satisfaction survey. This multifaceted role has not only allowed me to apply my academic insights but also to actively contribute to the sustainable development efforts of Tibetan migrants, marking a significant chapter in my professional journey."
March 2024
Arushi Chitrao, India
"After graduating with a bachelor's degree in Architecture from India, I spent four years working as an architect and an urbanism researcher. The natural next step for me was to pursue higher studies in the field of urbanism, since I wanted to delve deeper into the systems that make our cities. The Urban Management program at TU Berlin was perfectly aligned to my field of interest. The subject matter was very pertinent and the learning opportunities allowed me not just to develop my knowledge on urbanism but also equipped me with the tools to apply the learnings to a wide range of subject matter areas such as transition to net zero, business climate reforms, communities development etc.
Post my degree, I was drawn into approaching urban and economic systems from the perspective of delivering maximum impact, which for me was through influencing policy and working with key stakeholders within the government and the private sector. I joined Ernst & Young India and began my consulting career in their Economic Development Advisory, where I was part of the team that advised various Central and State government departments in India on economic development, public policy and investment promotion. Currently, I am based in London and am a Consultant at WPI Economics, where I have been involved in a range of diverse project areas such as the reform of transport tax for the Net Zero Transition."
March 2024
Shane O'Hanlon, Ireland/Canada
"I am now a senior climate risk and resilience consultant working with an international consulting firm (https://www.stantec.com/en/people/o/ohanlon-shane) focused on climate risk assessments and adaptation/resiliency planning as it relates to buildings, infrastructure, communities, and cities across Canada and the U.S. The scale of these assessments and planning efforts includes those at the Provincial, municipal, and healthcare authority level, as well as individual infrastructure and building owners.
My bachelor's background is in engineering and my studies of Urban Management allow me to speak the language of both engineering and planning. My passion is helping communities, cities and developers plan for and adapt to a future of climate uncertainty. I have a Masters in Urban Management, Bachelors in Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering, and certificates in Urban Design and another in Climate Change, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship."
December 2023
Camilo Esteban Ortiz, Colombia
''After 5 years of working as a civil and transportation engineer in Bogotá, Colombia in the public and private sector, I was selected as part of the DAAD-Colfuturo scholarship program in 2021 and joined the Urban Management program. Being part of this amazing program allowed me to broaden my perspectives around transportation planning by understanding different dimensions of urban practice. As an engineer who has worked in consulting firms and local government in Bogotá, the Urban Management program gave me the opportunity to learn from a wide variety of professionals and fields of knowledge that I wouldn't have dreamed of learning in my professional practice.
Currently, I work for a private consulting group in Madrid, Spain, developing infrastructure projects with a focus on reducing the impact of mass transit systems, industrial complexes, and other facilities in urban environments. I also train individuals, companies, universities, and governments in transportation modeling tools at the strategic and operational levels. Moreover, I support a variety of civic groups in Colombia in the areas of mobility planning and management.''
November 2023
Madeleine Swanstrom, USA
"My experience in the UM program endowed me with the "big picture" thinking required to work on urban issues in my hometown of St. Louis, in the U.S. I appreciated that the course covered a mix of urban studies and urban planning principles, so that we gained a deep understanding of city issues while also generating solutions. I emerged from the course with the conviction that the work of creating more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant communities is extremely important to curtailing and mitigating global warming. Berlin offers an invigorating setting to learn about urban management--the city is light years ahead of most U.S. cities in terms of sustainable development.
I currently work as the Incentive Compliance Manager for St. Louis Development Corporation, St. Louis' economic and real estate development arm. St. Louis' urban core has been hollowed out by suburban sprawl and a legacy of racist policies, and our agency works towards increasing density and tax revenues for the city. Tax incentives are one of the tools that our city uses to close the appraisal gap, or the reality that the market alone will not support quality new development here, especially in certain neighborhoods. Primarily, I collect reports from developers to ensure that they are following their agreements with the city when they receive property tax breaks. I also manage aspects of compliance for tax increment financing (TIF) projects and New Market Tax Credits. Additionally, I volunteer for the Delmar Main Street initiative, which is revitalizing a commercial corridor that has long been a dividing line for our city along lines of race and class. While I was a graduate student, I researched solutions to St. Louis' widespread housing vacancy for my thesis, and I interned for a different department at the agency where I now work. I am grateful that the UM course encouraged me to make those connections and pursue research in an area that is related to my line of work."
November 2023
Carlos Cruz, Mexico
''Through a passion for space, city, and architecture, I have dedicated my career to creating solutions for participatory urban development.
Before joining the Urban Management Program, with over five years of experience as an architect in Mexico City, I contributed to designing various architectural and urban projects, witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by complex global south cities. Transitioning into the role of preparing parcels for solar energy projects, I gained valuable insights into urban management, focusing on the complexities of land ownership and tenure around Mexico. Seeking to fully enter into the urban planning and development field, I moved to Berlin in 2019. I pursued a master's degree in Urban Management at the TU Berlin, mostly focusing on participatory urban development and social housing policies. This academic endeavor deepened my understanding of urban planning principles and provided a comprehensive tool-set to address the complex challenges of inclusive and sustainable urban development. During the transition from finishing the master's and my current position in 2021, I actively engaged in participatory urban development. As a research assistant at the Habitat Unit at the TU Berlin, I studied community engagement and collaborative planning approaches that shape neighborhoods based on local stakeholders' voices and innovative governance policies.
Since 2022, I have been thrilled to lead a team of Berlin's City, Construction, and Housing Development Senate program BENN 'Berlin Entwickelt Neue Nachbarschaften,' using public social infrastructure and citizen engagement to transform public spaces into vibrant community hubs. We foster social cohesion and inclusivity by facilitating activities that bring people from diverse backgrounds together. Through my diverse academic and professional experiences in architectural and urban design, land preparation for solar energy projects, participatory urban development, and social housing policies, I accessed a comprehensive, intercultural perspective on urban planning.''
July 2023
Camila Gálvez Petzoldt, Peru
„Before being awarded the DAAD-Pronabec Scholarship, which allowed me to pursue my master's studies, I worked as an architect in development projects in rural areas of Peru. My last job there was as a consultant at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights; I was responsible for delivering dignified burial spaces for the Peruvian Internal Armed Conflict victims.
Joining the Urban Management Program at TU Berlin allowed me to complement my knowledge working in the field with significant insights into the international development agenda, from SDGs to climate change, inclusive development and sustainable economics; the program gave me invaluable insights to continue my career at the international level. After the master, I got a job at the International Disability Alliance (IDA) in Geneva, where I work as a Senior Officer. We aim to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities worldwide by ensuring their inclusion in the UN mechanisms and the 2030 agenda."
April 2023
Deepa Joshi, India
„Before joining the UM Programme, with a background in Architecture, I mainly worked with a government development agency in New Delhi, India. My experience there with project implementation and delivery practices made me look for new ways and finally made me join the UM program in 2018. The program exposed me to completely new domains: multicultural working environments, focus on international policies/programs, cross-cutting planning issues etc. The UM course helped broaden my understanding by interacting with other disciplines and developing my research skills.
After graduating in 2020, I returned to India and joined an NGO which works mainly in policy evaluation (land and affordable housing) and access to housing finance for low-income families in India. Currently, I have joined a PhD Program in Urban Planning, Design and Policy (Politecnico di Milano, Italy)."
April 2023
David Raymond Parlindungan, Indonesia
„The UM program enriched me with broad insights about urbandevelopment processes worldwide. The curriculum allowed me to gaina lot of knowledge and grow professional networks, thanks to the lecturers with different skills and experiences. I also learned to thinkcritically by discussing interesting cases and being able to visit various sites. Living in Berlin was one of the best times of my life. It gave me an unforgettable experience, having great friends and interacting with people from various backgrounds around the world.
I am currently working as an Investment Planner at the Ministry of Investment (Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board) in Jakarta, Indonesia. I provide research and information to help potential investors make the right investment decisions, and facilitate investors who already have investment plans in Indonesia. I also provide briefings to local stakeholders regarding investment policies in Indonesia. Hopefully the UM alumni network will become a place to get to know and stay in touch with alumni who have professionalcareers in urban management or other related fields."
April 2023
Jorge Carbonell, Colombia
„As a Civil Engineer with over five years of experience in construction sites and project management, I wanted to expand my expertise and delve deeper into the various facets involved in cities´development. Pursuing the Masters program in Urban Management at TU Berlin allowed me to gain a theoretical foundation in Urban Economics, Governance, and Planning, and build up on my existing knowledge of Project Management. It also gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in the vibrant and diverse city of Berlin and engage with peers from around the world, which widened my perspective and broadened my understanding of the complexities involved in managing urban development projects. The program allowed me to enhance my planning, project management and stakeholder analysis skills, which has proved valuable in my current role.
After completing the UM Masters course I decided to stay in Berlin. In July 2022 I joined 'Newton Room', a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting STEM education through community-based projects in different countries. As Project Manager, I am responsible for various projects throughout Europe and the UK, and cooperate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including municipalities, NGOs, corporations, and community representatives. The skills and knowledge gained from the Masters program have been instrumental in enabling me to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders, and navigate different project challenges."
April 2023
Dimas Darmawansyah, Indonesia
„I have worked for 8 years in the Human Settlement and Spatial Planning Department of Bandung Municipality as a Spatial Planner, until today. My daily work is directly involved with formulating policies related to urban spatial planning and issuing building permits. In addition, I am also often asked for recommendations regarding the use of space by other sectors in the city government.
For my studies at TU Berlin, I had received a scholarship from Bappenas (Ministry of National Development Planning of Indonesia): This program is a collaboration between Diponegoro University in Semarang Indonesia and TU Berlin. Even though I previously worked in the same position, through the participation in the UM program at TU Berlin, I gained a lot of additional knowledge and experience. Working with other students from different parts of the world certainly helped me explore new things that I had never experienced in Indonesia, especially in Bandung. All in all, I received a lot of valuable input that can be applied when formulating policies in my city."
April 2023
Anastasia Zhuravel, Ukraine
„I am a researcher, curator, and social business entrepreneur with interests in critical urban studies, emphasizing on collective civic actions, urban governance, and sustainable urban systems. I also co-founded the Charity Foundation and NGO 'Laska' and act as an associate at the Pavilion of Culture (architecture) in Kyiv, Ukraine. Since my graduation in the Urban Management course in 2022, I am employed as a curator and urban researcher at the international design lab "Reimagine Your City," which is based in Berlin. Concurrently, I engage in freelance work while maintaining urban management as my primary profession. My academic background has endowed me with considerable potential and networking opportunities within Europe."
April 2023
Regina Luyiga, Uganda
„Having joined the UM program at TU Berlin with a Bachelor’s degree in Land Economics but with great interest in the urban sector, the program equipped me with well consolidated knowledge on urban issues such as mobility, waste management, land and housing, urban economics and water management among others. The program being only 1.5 years is so well structured that at its completion, one is well grounded to launch into an urban career. Prior to taking on this master’s program, I had four years of work experience in compulsory acquisition of land, valuations for secured lending and assessment of municipal property rates.
Since completing the program in March 2022, I joined the World Bank Group as a Consultant on a Land Administration in Uganda and most recently as an Urban Specialist. I currently support the Bank in delivering projects under its urban portfolio in the country.“
March 2023
Ana Alcántara, Mexico
"Joining the UM Program at TU Berlin gave me the skills and knowledge for my transition from architecture to the field of sustainable urban mobility. After completing my studies, I worked at the World Resources Institute (WRI) in Mexico in the field of Mobility Economics and Public Transportation Policies. During this time, I collaborated in the creation of a web tool called “Mexican Observatory of Public Transport”, as well as in the development of the Tourist Map: “Know Mexico City through the BRT Metrobus”. I coordinated the specialized assistance to the Federal Financing Program for Massive Transport (PROTRAM) and contributed to the elaboration of Methodological Guidelines for public transport authorities. I have worked on projects in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.
Currently I work as a Technical Advisor in the sector of Urban Mobility in EUROCLIMA+ at the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), based in Mexico City. Here I monitor the planning and execution of a pilot project of electric tricycles in San Juan Comalapa Guatemala and provide technical assistance to the Federation of Latin-American Cities, Municipalities and Associations of Local Government in the conceptual and organizational development of the Community of Practice, “Plataforma de Movilidad Urbana Sostenible en Latinoamerica”.
January 2022
Rafael L. Valladares Rodas, Honduras
“Since I graduated from the UM program in Berlin, I was active as an urban practitioner in several ways: For example as a consultant in urban mobility for ́Ciudad Emergente ́ (Chile) or in the field of risk management in Honduras for ClUrb, a startup developed by two friends and former fellow students of the UM master program. Between 2017 and 2020 I was active as a researcher for the ‘National Autonomous University of Honduras’ (UNAH) and as an honorary member of a research group called ‘MODUS-UNAH’ (Mobility and Sustainable Urban Development). From 2019 to 2020 I worked as a consultant in territorial and urban planning for a local government in Honduras, and was part of a technical committee in charge of the development of a master plan for a region, that today hosts the main international airport in the country. Currently, I work as a technical adviser for the ‘Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit’ (GIZ) in Honduras, on a regional project called Circular Caribbean, whose main objective is to improve the conditions for preventing plastic waste from entering the Caribbean Sea.
The Urban Management program allowerd me to have a broader vision of what sustainable development means, about our role as technical advisors, consultants, entrepreneurs or decision-makers, plus it offered the door to a lot of good friends and networks around the world. Our main goal should always be to make the world a better place."
November 2021