Living on St. Ann's [Avenue], I've seen how our neighborhood has changed. With our building's new cool roof and more trees on the streets, summers aren't as daunting anymore. I remember one hot day, watching my grandkids laugh as they played outside without worrying about the heat. It's moments like these that remind me why Visionary's work is so important—it's about making our neighborhood a better place for everyone."

Elena S.

Resident, New York City

Visionary NYC ↗

I remember the first day we launched our bike-sharing program at UCLA...One evening, I saw a young woman, a UCLA student named Sarah, riding one of our bikes. She told me that thanks to our program, she could now safely and efficiently commute between her apartment and classes without carpooling or 30-minute commutes. Knowing that our work is directly impacting lives like Sarah’s fills me with immense pride."

Emily K.

Member, Visionary LA

Visionary LA ↗

Last year, we started a gardening project at Rogers Elementary, teaching kindergarteners how to plant seeds. One little girl, Sofia, was so excited to show her parents the tomato plant she grew from a seed. Her mother later told us that Sofia insisted on starting a small garden at home. Seeing these kids develop a love for nature and knowing we played a part in that is beyond rewarding."

Olivia M.

FFA member and senior, Liberty High School

Visionary DFW ↗

As a long-time business owner in Logan Square, I’ve seen...gentrification... threaten[ing] to push out...my customers and neighbors. Partnering with Visionary and the LSNA, we advocated for policies that would protect our community... When the city council passed the new zoning regulations, it felt like a win for all of us. My customers and neighbors can stay, and our community retains its charm. We’re stronger together, and I’m proud to be part of this fight."

Tomás R.

Owner, Café con Leche

Visionary Chicago ↗

When Beryl hit, our business was underwater—literally. It was devastating for our community and our livelihoods. Then Visionary proposed installing permeable pavements in our parking lot. Now, when it rains, I see the water disappear instead of pooling. Our customers notice too—they appreciate our commitment to sustainability and community. It's good for business, but it's also [good for] making a difference where it matters most: our neighborhood."

Sarah T.

Local business owner, Houston

Visionary Houston ↗

As a single mom with two kids in elementary school, I worry a lot about their safety...The walk to school used to [have] no shade...making it difficult for my kids. But now, with the new shaded sidewalks, the walk is much more pleasant. My son, Jacob, who has asthma, used to struggle with the heat, but he's doing much better now. He even looks forward to walking to school because he can play with his friends under the shaded areas. Seeing [their] smiles...is the best feeling."

Maria G.

Mother, Tuscano Elementary School

Visionary Phoenix ↗

...Getting involved with the NASA GLOBE Program and Visionary Detroit truly changed my perspective. [By] modifying [a] TerraRover 2 to detect various atmospheric parameters during the 2024 solar eclipse...I eventually authored my second research paper, which earned me recognition...I think this was really the catalyst that sparked my interest in technology...I applied to study CS and I'm excited to share that I've been accepted to Harvard!"

Maher H.

Incoming freshman, Harvard University

Visionary Detroit ↗

When we first began, I had no idea how complex parking issues could be. I remember spending late nights in the school library, coding simulations and analyzing survey data,..One moment that stands out was when we conducted our first meeting with UT Austin's Transport Department. I felt a mix of excitement and nerves, but seeing how our data and proposals were taken seriously by professionals was incredibly validating...It’s heartwarming..."

Emma T.

Senior, Austin High School

Visionary Austin ↗

"I grew up in Dharavi and have always struggled with water scarcity and the effects of dirty water. Last month, when Bondh E Shams installed solar water pumps, I found hope. Before, we had to drink dirty water, which made me and my children sick. My daughter, who was always weak, is now healthy. I've seen how our lives have changed with access to clean water. Every day, I use that water, which gives me joy and health. It's not just water for me; it's a new life." [Translated from Marathi]

Aarti M.

Resident, Dharavi

Visionary Mumbai ↗

When we introduced the drainage sensors, I remember a grandmother...shared stories of how her home...turned into a waterlogged nightmare. I felt a responsibility to ensure our technology served not just as a solution, but as a bridge to their needs. Seeing her smile when we explained how these sensors would give her community real-time alerts was a reminder of why we do this work—it’s about people, not just data.” [Translated from Filipino]

Carlos J.

Engineering student, UP Diliman

Visionary Manila ↗

Each day, I board a crowded BRT bus at 5:30 AM to reach my job at a bakery in Victoria Island. The journey often takes over 2 hours, but since the introduction of the new shuttle services, my commute has reduced significantly. Just last week, I was able to get home in time to help my daughter with her homework. This project means more than just transport; it’s about reclaiming precious family time."

Jumoke L.

Resident, Ikorodu

Visionary Lagos ↗

Before the metro farms, sourcing fresh ingredients was a struggle. I had to rely on suppliers who didn’t always provide what I needed. Now, with the metro farm just a short walk away, I can get microgreens that are harvested on the same day I need them...My customers noticed the difference immediately— their compliments make all the hard work worthwhile. I feel like I’m part of something bigger, and that brings me joy every day.”

Jinwoo P.

Restaurant owner, Seoul

Visionary Seoul ↗

¹ As of March 1st, 2025, Visionary is the first 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focussed on new urbanism with substantial presence in more than 2 countries. Visionary is also the largest (in terms of member count) youth-led nonprofit focussed on advancing urban sustainability and environmental justice initiatives at an international level.

² This figure is based on the cumulative number of members across all of Visionary's chapters — including leaders, volunteers, students, partners, associates, and members of partners associated with Visionary's chapter-specific projects and initiatives. This figure also includes alumni and current members of the Global Sustainability Scholars Program (GSSP) and the Sustainability Club (worldwide).

³ This figure includes the cumulative amount gathered from local, chapter-specific partners across all of Visionary's chapters, partnerships with schools, teachers, or administrators adopting curricula from the Global Sustainability Scholars Program, and partners from the Sustainability Club.

⁴ This figure includes all of Visionary's chapters — domestic (US) and international. A chapter is considered as an in-person suborganization or branch of Visionary with 8 or more members who have completed 1 or more project aligning with Visionary's sustainable development goals (SDGs) in a city or metropolitan area that does not already have a Visionary chapter. This figure does not include virtual chapters, such as those of the Sustainability Club.

⁵ This figure is based on the cumulative number of members across all of Visionary's chapters — including leaders, volunteers, students, partners, associates, and members of partners associated with Visionary's chapter-specific projects and initiatives.

⁶ This figure is based on the cumulative number of projects that have been completed across all of Visionary's chapters. Typically, project completion means achieving all predefined objectives and milestones, which typically include the successful implementation of sustainable practices, the establishment of functioning systems, meeting target outcomes, and/or the creation of lasting partnerships. A project is considered complete when it is fully operational, delivering the intended benefits, and has a plan for ongoing maintenance and evaluation to ensure its long-term success. A project refers to a structured and strategic initiative aimed at addressing specific urban sustainability challenges. This figure is accurate as of March 1st, 2025, but is liable to change.

⁷ This figure is based on the cumulative number of students who have applied for, enrolled, and participated in the Global Sustainability Scholars Program (summer cohort) who have successfully completed their 4-week or 8-week pathway.

⁸ This figure is defined as the number of papers that students have successfully submitted and published, or have been fully approved and are in the process of waiting for publication, in reputable, peer-reviewed journals with a named editor and editorial board, full and traceable contact details, and published information on charges, procedures, copyright and licenses openly on their website.

⁹ "Partners" includes the numbers of schools who have requested, received, and adopted curricula from the Global Sustainability Scholars Program.

¹⁰ Members includes all students who have registered and joined a chapter or branch — locally or virtually — of the Sustainability Club.

¹¹ "Hours" refers to the cumulative number of verified community service and volunteering hours that members of the Sustainability Club have contributed since their date of registration.

¹² This figure includes both projects completed in the virtual cohort of the Sustainability Club and projects initiated by local chapters and in-person groups associated with the Sustainability Club.