Student Representatives Council
About the Student Representatives Council
The Student Representatives Council (SRC) is one of the three APA components. The SRC comprises the SRC executive committee, student leaders representing Planning Student Organizations (PSO), and APA student members.
The SRC Executive Committee consists of eight elected members. It leads the SRC and helps shape APA policies that influence student issues. The committee also advises the APA Board of Directors on students' and young professional members' best interests and needs. The Student Representative Council Executive Committee Chair is also an appointed member of the APA Board with a vote.
Council Activities
- Host the Annual Student Planning and Design Competition
- Host networking and mentoring events for students
Term: 2 Years
Eligibility: Current student member of APA
Time Commitment: Virtual meetings monthly, in-person meetings at NPC
Not quite sure what region you're in? View the APA Electoral Regions map.
SRC Executive Committee Roles & Responsibilities
2024 Student Representatives Council Executive Committee
Executive Committee Officers
Chair
Bianca Mers
Bianca Mers is a Senior Analyst with EJP Consulting Group in Philadelphia, PA. She studied International Relations at the University of Delaware and received her master's of City and Regional Planning degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. In her free time, she enjoys taking walks around her neighborhood in Philly while also appreciating the architecture. She loves all things related to food and is always on the search for new restaurants. Reading, traveling, and spending time with loved ones keep her whole and grounded. Term of office: January 2024–December 2026.
Region I
Aditi Galande
Aditi Galande is an urban planner and designer at +lab architect PLLC in New York, involved in regenerative design, waterfront resilience, and community-driven design. With a background in landscape architecture from India and a master's in sustainable environmental systems from Pratt Institute, she integrates sustainability and resiliency into urban planning. Her global experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams informs her holistic approach to design. She is committed to engaging with communities to co-create their vision for a sustainable and resilient future. She enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and learning about different cultures.
Region II
Cameron Brown
Cameron Brown is a student at East Carolina University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Community and Regional Planning, a minor in Construction Management, and has a background in economic development and consulting services for rural communities in North Carolina. He's committed to ongoing professional development and aspires to make meaningful contributions to the field of community planning and development. He's passionate about advocacy and loves spending time with family, friends, and outdoor adventures with his dog, Ruby! He enjoys traveling and seeking out new experiences, such as attending concerts and arts-themed festivals, camping, and exploring the Southeast of the U.S. Term of Office: January 2024–December 2026.
Region III
Beneetta Mary Jose
Beneetta Mary Jose is a transportation planner at Fehr & Peers, Orlando office. She holds a master's degree in urban and regional planning from the University of South Florida and a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Kerala, India. Her main areas of interest are transportation, youth in planning, and resilience. She serves as the AICP Commission liaison and was named Student Planner of the Year by the APA Florida chapter in 2023. In her free time, she enjoys dancing and drawing and hopes to pursue a Ph.D in the future.
Region IV
Katie Oberlin
Katie Oberlin is a student at The Ohio State University, pursuing a bachelor's degree in City and Regional Planning. She's passionate about collaborating with others to intervene in the built environment and improve it to meet the needs of the community. She enjoys learning languages and hopes to be pentalingual one day! Her hobbies include yoga, playing instruments, watching Sailor Moon, and traveling. Term of office: January 2024–December 2026.
Region V
Romina Marca Narvaez
Romina Marca Narvaez is a dedicated architect and urban planner with a strong commitment to creating inclusive, sustainable, and human-centered urban spaces. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Urban Planning at the University of Arizona, Romina combines her architectural background from the University of Buenos Aires with a passion for designing cities that prioritize community well-being and equitable development.
Region VI
Arielle Truong
Arielle Truong is a student at San Diego State University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Urban Studies. They're extremely passionate about vintage fashion from the '60s and '70s! They enjoy exploring flea markets, thrift shops, antique malls, and collecting records, postcards, and houseplants, too. Term of office: January 2024–December 2026.
Past Chair
Kohl Mało
Kohl Mało is a transportation-land use planner working in Washington, D.C. He grew up in South Florida and has served the Student Representatives Council (SRC) since 2019. In his profession, he works to connect the major systems of housing, employment, transportation, and the environment. He enjoys exploring, tech, business, and movies. Being a big proponent of the SRC, he thinks all members should be proud to use the platform to make positive changes for the profession. Term of office: January 2024–December 2026.