Olivia Ashjian James is a Community Planner at Barrett Planning Group, where she integrates her experience as a researcher with developing innovative engagement strategies and equitable communities. Her work encompasses zoning recodification, public participation strategy and implementation, graphic and urban design, and GIS mapping. Olivia’s passion for planning is rooted in her commitment to policies and strategies that advocate for underserved communities, aiming to create more equitable environments. Her research as a PhD student in Regional Planning at UMass Amherst focuses on barriers to community engagement. She has published research on small community water system partnerships and holds a certificate in Ethnographic Research. Olivia also has a dual master’s degree in Regional Planning and Landscape Architecture, as well as a master’s in Professional Communication. Prior to her career as a researcher and planner, Olivia operated a successful jewelry business, selling her designs across the country. Her creative outlets now include gardening, cooking, and playing with her son.
