Awards

2025 Council of Fellows Scholarship Winners

The Council of Fellows scholarship program was founded in 2004 to: 

• aid outstanding students who would not otherwise have an opportunity to continue a professional degree program due to unmet financial need;    
• increase the interest and participation of economically disadvantaged and under-represented populations in the study of landscape architecture; and  
• enrich the profession of landscape architecture through a more diverse population.  

Since the scholarship program¡¯s inception, the Council has awarded forty students from over twenty programs across the country. The students have had the opportunity to attend the annual conference where they have networked with members, attended education sessions and special events such as the award ceremonies and the investiture dinner. The students regularly attend the Fellows business meeting where they receive their certificates.  

Your financial support of the scholarship program is essential to meet our goal and ensure we provide the next generation with the funds they need to continue their education. Please to help us meet our target. Pledges may be fulfilled over a three-year period. Please indicate that the donation is for "Council of Fellows" or "COF" in the "why you support LAF" box. 

Congratulations to the 2025 Scholarship Winners!

  Isabel Aguilar 

BLA, University of Florida

Award: $5,000

Isabel Aguilar is a first-generation American, having moved to the United States at age four with her parents and brother. Their hard work and sacrifices allowed her to pursue her passion for landscape design. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a minor in Urban and Regional Planning. Inspired by her own experiences, Isabel is driven to create sustainable, community-centered designs that prioritize the needs of underserved populations. She aims to work in urban environments to develop innovative, resilient spaces that benefit both the environment and Latinx communities. Her ultimate hope is that her future work will inspire more first-generation Latino students to pursue careers in design and planning, contributing to equitable and sustainable development. Adaptive, energetic, and empathetic, Isabel aspires to craft spaces that foster ecological health, cultural identity, and social equity, ensuring a lasting impact for generations to come.

  Rekiyah Bobbitt 

BLA, North Carolina A&T State University

Award: $5,000

Rekiyah Bobbitt is a dedicated designer and community leader committed to transforming underinvested urban environments into vibrant, inclusive spaces. A native of Chicago¡¯s South Side, Rekiyah draws inspiration from her own neighborhood¡¯s challenges and beauty. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a minor in Community Development, with a strong focus on environmental justice and public health. Rekiyah¡¯s work centers on creating spaces that affirm Black identity and support holistic community wellness. Her design philosophy is rooted in collaboration, equity, and cultural celebration, and she hopes to lead projects that reconnect communities with nature while addressing systemic disparities. Rekiyah aspires to be a changemaker¡ªusing landscape architecture to empower young people, honor heritage, and foster sustainable growth in cities like her own.

   Ahmaud Carroll-Tubbs 

BLA, Ball State University

Award: $10,000

Ahmaud Carroll-Tubbs is a fourth-year landscape architecture student at Ball State University with a deep passion for art and design. Growing up, he explored creative outlets like drawing, painting, and model making, which ultimately led him to discover architecture in eighth grade. While initially pursuing architecture at Ball State, he found his true calling in landscape architecture, which embodied his love for the outdoors and his desire to create meaningful spaces. Ahmaud has gained valuable experience in heritage preservation and landscape design through internships with Indiana Landmarks¡¯ Black Heritage Preservation Program and V3 Companies. He is an active member of SCË¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, NOMAS, and A.C.E. and has presented internationally at the Alliance for Historic Preservation Conference in Toronto. Ahmaud values representation and strives to be a role model for young Black professionals. 

  Crystal Carbajal Castillo 

BLA, Cal Poly Pomona

Award: $5,000

Crystal Carbajal Castillo is a proud daughter of immigrants and a passionate advocate for equity in the built environment. Growing up in a small agricultural town in California, she developed a deep respect for land, water, and community¡ªvalues that continue to shape her approach to design. Crystal is currently pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture, where she explores how culturally rooted landscapes and equitable green infrastructure can uplift underserved communities. With a background in social justice and design justice, she is especially committed to amplifying the voices of historically marginalized groups in planning processes. Crystal aims to use landscape architecture as a tool to heal, empower, and reimagine spaces for future generations, particularly in communities of color. She believes that design can serve as a powerful agent for environmental justice and cultural resilience.