A Warm Welcome to Our New Hires of 2025
Spring is a season of growth, and at the NDC, that couldn't be more true! We're thrilled to welcome seven new team members, each bringing fresh energy and unique perspectives to our work. Two of these new hires are full-time staff members, strengthening our core team, with five additional interns who are eager to dive into hands-on experience in design, planning, and community engagement. As we continue expanding our impact across Columbus, this growing team reflects our commitment to fostering new talent and collaborative design. Keep reading to learn more about the individuals shaping the next chapter of the NDC!
Glennon Sweeney has joined the NDC team as Director of Community Programs and Outreach after a decade long career at the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University (OSU). A native of Columbus, Glennon loves Central Ohio and has developed deep knowledge of the region's development history. Informed by this research expertise, Glennon is able to connect and build trust with communities and organizations. Having earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Geography, a Master's in City and Regional Planning, and a PhD in progress in the City and Regional Planning Dept. at OSU, her work has focused on the intersection of land use / development policy and metropolitan segregation. Glennon also serves as a commissioner on the Worthington Community Relations Commission, is a member of the Board of Directors for Erase the Space, and does improv with the Bunsen Burnouts in her spare time.
Tara Smith recently became an NDC team member as Project Manager, helping to coordinate various efforts related to our work. Before receiving her Master of City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University last Spring, Tara worked as an arts administrator at several nonprofits throughout the Central Ohio area given her undergraduate degree in Theatre from Otterbein University. She has enjoyed the breadth of projects and programs she gets to contribute to at the NDC, especially those that allow her to engage directly with community members. Outside of work, Tara likes to walk her dog, read nonfiction, and solve puzzles.
Suyeon Chae is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Design at The Ohio State University (OSU) and was matched with the NDC as one of our Design Interns through OSU's Urban Arts Space Internship Program. She believes that visual and tactile design elements that are found in everyday life play a crucial role in creating an elevated experience for all users. Beyond her interest in design, she is excited to explore more of the work NDC takes on and how creative communication and interactivity can make a difference for the residents we serve. In her free time, Suyeon enjoys drawing, cooking, and exploring new hobbies.
Neneh Corsino is a third-year Landscape Architecture student with a minor in City and Regional Planning at The Ohio State University (OSU), joining us through NDC's partnership with the Federal Work Study Program at OSU. As a lifelong Columbus resident, Neneh is passionate about creating vibrant and inclusive urban spaces that prioritize sustainability and accessibility for all. She believes that well-designed landscapes can improve quality of life, strengthen communities, and protect our environment. When she's not battling the complexities of saving our climate, Neneh can be found exploring a city park with her dog Otto.
Navi Kaur is a fourth-year (fast approaching graduation!) majoring in Architecture and minoring in Design Thinking at The Ohio State University (OSU), also joining us through NDC's partnership with the Federal Work Study Program at OSU. She enjoys learning how we can work with different social complexities through architecture and the built environment. Navi is also interested in incorporating biophilic elements into her design projects. Outside of work, Navi enjoys spending time with her family and pets, dancing, and traveling. A favorite of hers during those moments of travel is visiting historical palaces and mountain villages.
Aditya Lahiri is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Admin. at The Ohio State University (OSU), another match made through the Federal Work Study Program at OSU. Aditya has vast experience working with non-profits, ranging from consultation services with a smaller sustainability-oriented organization to working as a Consumer Engagement Intern at the World Wildlife Fund. Aditya is a member of Students Consulting for Non-Profit Organizations at OSU and hopes to utilize this expertise in making a positive impact, particularly in regard to sustainable development. In his free time, Aditya enjoys watching soccer and critiquing cinema.
Sophia Novo is currently a second-year undergoing her Bachelor's of Science in Landscape Architecture at The Ohio State University. Sophia is passionate about exploring the various creative fields housed at the NDC and how these can incorporate sustainable design practices in the projects we take on across Columbus. Having lived in Costa Rica for six years and experienced these ecologies, the goal of her work is to mindfully design spaces with a balanced coexistence between natural systems and human interaction. In her free time, Sophia enjoys going on hikes, thrifting, and finding the best nooks to catch up on her reading.
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