Kristina Kvavle-Slay graduated from Jefferson’s Bachelor’s of Landscape Architecture in 2024.
What did you study at Jefferson?
I studied Landscape Architecture.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up outside Portland, Oregon.
What was the best part of your time at Jefferson?
The best part of my time at Jefferson was exploring Philadelphia ecosystems with her parks, waters, and neighborhoods while engaging with community members and mentors.
What has having a Jefferson degree done for you and how has it prepared you for your career?
As a nontraditional student, my studies provided the opportunity to form mentoring friendships with my instructors that directly led me to my work as the managing director of LandHealth Institute. That, in addition to the ability to analyze and critically think about a space or system, while recognizing community members as neighborhood experts, is instrumental to the environmental restoration work I hope to continue to be part of in the future.
What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?
I’m the first woman in my direct line to earn a four-year degree. The support of my four kids while in school was invaluable – while difficult, my studies enriched all our lives.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to our current students?
Trust yourself, but always go in listening. Your lived experience is valuable, and your impressions and decisions should speak to your values. But never forget that you are a guest in someone else’s space as a designer and that their voice holds the most weight. This applies to both human and natural environments.