For Martín García, PhD, education is about more than what happens in the classroom. The EWU Chicano Studies professor traveled to rural Honduras to help bring reliable access to clean water for communities that have never had it. 

Working alongside volunteers from Misión Angelitos, a nonprofit based out of Washington’s Tri-Cities, García spent two weeks creating a water supply infrastructure in La Colonia and El Mirador. His volunteerism reflects the values he teaches at Eastern: community engagement, solidarity, and a commitment to using knowledge to serve and uplift historically underrepresented populations.

We asked García to share more about what motivated him to participate in this project, how it connects to his work as an educator and scholar, and what the experience meant to him.

What led you to spend your personal time working in Honduras?
When Jesse Zepeda, the president of the board of Misión Angelitos, shared details of the water project they had already started, it brought memories of my childhood growing up without potable water in the mountains of Michoacán [Mexico]. It was then that I decided taking part in this project would have a significant impact on the lives of those affected, particularly women and children. Water is a necessity that all should have access to, no matter where you reside in the world.

There was also an academic interest given that we had been in the neighboring country of Nicaragua in 2008, 2015, and 2016 conducting interviews for our co-author publication “The Role of Female Combatants in the Nicaraguan Revolution and Counter Revolutionary War” published by Routledge in 2019. When we interviewed female combatants along with their male comrades, they shared stories about the role Honduras played in the civilian conflict. It served as a base for counter-revolutionary forces to launch attacks against the Sandinista government during the Contra War (1979–1990); it also served as an escape route and a supply hub for Contra fighters.

Additionally, being one of the poorest countries in Central America, improving the quality of life of its residents made a lot of sense to me. As an undergraduate at EWU, I took a lot of UN-related courses that addressed the lack of necessities, such as potable water, mostly in African countries. I promised myself that I would, at one point in my life, take part in efforts to improve the quality of life of people somewhere in the world. The water project in Honduras was a natural fit and an ideal opportunity to make a difference.

What did you learn from this experience, both personally and professionally?
Taking time to assist others in need is among the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my life. A week of my time and effort taking part in the water project had a lifetime impact on families, especially women and children.

Professionally, I developed a strong connection with a local nonprofit from the Tri-Cities, which happens to be my hometown and also a recruiting hub for EWU and [can provide] potential internship opportunities for our students.

In what ways did your background in Chicano Studies shape or influence your work?
Chicano Studies is an interdisciplinary field influenced by traditional disciplines such as political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and economics. The book on female combatants addresses issues of race, ethnicity, gender, and social class, among other subjects. Chicano Studies has a strong tradition of community advocacy and challenging power structures that discriminate and oppress marginalized communities.

How do you see the relationship between your academic work and your engagement with communities like the one in Honduras?
Given its cultural, economic, and political influence through free-trade agreements as well as its foreign policy, the United States has significantly impacted the economic and political development of these countries, especially in Central America. Therefore, it is our responsibility to document and inform the world of its effects and contribute to the extent that we can to the well-being of people residing in this part of the world.

For example, Central American countries have been destabilized by actions taken by the U.S., uprooting their populations and triggering mass migration to other countries, including the U.S. The immigrants from these countries, due to the lack of immigration reform, ultimately become a captive labor force that significantly contributes to the economy and cultural enrichment of the U.S.—subjects we explore in Chicano Studies.

For students who may be considering Chicano Studies courses, what do you hope they take away from the experience?
Chicano Studies is engaging, empowering, and uplifting. It strengthens the identity and cultural foundation of students who take these courses, regardless of their ethnicity and background; it helps students develop critical thinking and practical skills that are in demand in various careers, such as healthcare, business, engineering, education, government, and technology, including the AI industry.

Whether he’s conducting research, leading classroom discussions, or engaging in public service, García demonstrates that education has the power to drive meaningful change. His work reflects the hands-on, community-centered approach that defines both Chicano Studies and EWU as a whole. By bringing his experiences back into the classroom, he encourages students to think critically, engage with their communities, and use their education to make a positive impact.

That same commitment is reflected in his teaching and research on gender, migration, political representation, and social justice across Latin America and in his service to those communities.

Learn More About Dr. García

Picture this: You graduate from EWU’s Urban & Regional Planning program and immediately land a job at a thriving consultancy, where your boss is also an EWU grad, your colleagues are fellow alumni, and current EWU students work alongside you, gaining real experience. Sounds too good to be true? Meet Nexus Planning Services.

When Your Entire Team Shares an Alma Mater

Nexus Planning Services is an incredible success story of the skills and dedication of EWU graduates. As of summer 2025, the team was fully staffed by EWU alumni, undergraduates, and master’s students. Principal Planner Ryan Hughes, AICP, earned his Urban Planning degree from EWU. Associate Planner Kurtis Johnson? A EWU Master’s graduate. The planning technicians, David Grechko and Anthony Maucione? EWU students. Operations Coordinator Lara Estaris? Also, an EWU student.

This isn’t a coincidence—it’s the EWU network effect in full display. When successful alumni hire from their alma mater and create opportunities for current students, everyone benefits. Students get real-world experience before graduation, recent grads find immediate career opportunities, and the region gets planning professionals who understand local needs and challenges.

Spokane’s Hidden Planning Goldmine

Here’s what many people don’t realize: the Spokane region is absolutely buzzing with planning opportunities. Washington State’s Growth Management Act requires comprehensive plan updates every eight years, creating consistent demand for planning services. Add in climate action planning requirements, tribal planning needs, economic development initiatives, and infrastructure projects, and you’ve got a region where planning skills are consistently in demand.

Ryan Hughes, AICP, with 18+ years of international planning experience, chose to base his practice in Spokane precisely because of these opportunities. “There is no limit to what an empowered community can accomplish,” he says, and the region offers countless communities ready to be empowered.

Real Experience, Real Impact

The Nexus model gives EWU students something many programs can’t: immediate professional experience with meaningful projects. Students have had the opportunity to work on tribal economic development plans, comprehensive plan updates, and climate resiliency projects—not just classroom exercises, but work that shapes real communities throughout the Northwest.

Kurtis Johnson’s EWU experience included projects with the Spokane Transit Authority and recovery planning for fire-damaged Malden, Washington. That experience translated directly into his current role in comprehensive planning and community outreach. David Grechko supported tribal economic development while finishing his bachelor’s degree. Anthony Maucione jumped from Gonzaga’s engineering program to EWU’s planning master’s program specifically because of opportunities like Nexus.

Beyond One Firm: A Regional Network

Nexus is just one example of the opportunities waiting in the region. The Spokane area needs planners for:

• Municipal Government – Cities throughout Eastern Washington need planning staff
• Tribal Planning – Multiple tribal nations require specialized planning expertise
• State Agencies – Washington State Department of Commerce, DOT, and others hire regionally
• Economic Development – Regional development organizations constantly seek planning professionals
• Environmental Consulting – Climate planning and environmental compliance create ongoing opportunities
• Transportation Planning – Regional transit authorities and DOT projects need planning support

The state-mandated planning requirements alone create steady demand, but add in federal infrastructure investments, climate initiatives, and regional growth, and you’ve got a planning job market that’s both stable and dynamic.

Your Network Starts Day One

What makes EWU special isn’t just the education—it’s the network you join. When firms like Nexus are founded and staffed by program alumni, when current students work on real projects, when recent graduates immediately find meaningful work, you’re not just getting a degree—you’re joining a robust professional community.

Lara Estaris, born to immigrant parents and passionate about racial equity, social justice, sustainability, and environmental stewardship, found her place in this network while still completing her degree. The values-driven approach she brings reflects what the program cultivates and what regional employers value.

Why This Matters for Your Future

The planning profession is experiencing unprecedented demand nationwide, but the Spokane region offers something special: a tight-knit professional community where EWU graduates support each other, create opportunities, and build careers that make real differences in their home communities.

When you choose EWU’s Urban & Regional Planning program, you’re not just choosing an education—you’re choosing to join a network that will support your career from day one through professional leadership. The success of Nexus Planning Services proves that EWU graduates don’t just find jobs in the region—they create them, lead them, and use them to build stronger communities.

Ready to join a program where your classmates become your colleagues, your professors become your mentors, and your education becomes an immediate professional opportunity? The Spokane region’s planning community is waiting for you.

From the rolling hills of Moses Lake, Washington, to the bustling streets of New York City, Teal Delys has embarked on a remarkable journey that exemplifies the transformative power of urban planning education. As the Eastern Queens Team Leader at the NYC Department of City Planning’s Queens Borough Office (as of summer 2025), Teal brings a unique perspective shaped by both her architectural background and the comprehensive planning education she received at Eastern Washington University.

A Cross-Country Leap of Faith

Teal’s path to becoming a New York City planner required both determination and impeccable timing. “I was itching to go somewhere very different from where I had grown up and gone to university,” says Delys, a native of Moses Lake. “I chose New York because I have always been fascinated by the density, history, and multifaceted cultures of the city, and I was looking for a central location to explore career opportunities in the larger Northeast region.”

After completing her MURP degree in 2019, Teal initially faced challenges breaking into the competitive New York planning market. Undeterred, she moved to the city in the fall after her graduation, took a job in a movie theater bistro, and began attending networking events for professional planners while sharpening her resume. Her persistence paid off, as she landed a job just before the COVID crisis took hold and a hiring freeze was enacted.

From Architecture to Comprehensive Planning

Teal’s educational journey began with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies at Washington State University, which provided her with strong technical skills in design, engineering, and building modeling. However, it was her experience in EWU’s MURP program that fundamentally shifted her perspective on urban development.

“I completed my Bachelor of Architectural Studies at Washington State University before attending the MURP program at EWU,” Teal explains. “This experience taught me skills in the design, engineering, and modeling of buildings, but did not touch on aspects of the public realm, community engagement, and the history and theory behind urban planning and public policy.”

The transformation was profound. “During my time at EWU, my perspective shifted from an artistic and structural focus on the development of individual sites to understanding how physical features, like streets and buildings, and socioeconomic characteristics, like economic sectors, politics, and demographics, fit together to shape neighborhoods and the city as a whole.”

This broader understanding now serves her well in her current role, where she integrates both skill sets. “Today, I use both skill sets as a planner and urban designer to tie together community needs, development interests, and city government goals on planning studies and land use applications.”

Real-World Experience That Translates

One of the most valuable aspects of Teal’s EWU education was her hands-on experience as a Research Assistant on the North Spokane Corridor project. This work provided direct preparation for her current responsibilities in New York. “I worked as a Research Assistant on a grant for the community engagement process for the North Spokane Corridor, in which I helped create materials for public meetings, engaged with Neighborhood Councils, and made many maps analyzing data collected during engagement.”

This experience proved immediately applicable in her NYC role. “This experience directly translated to my first job with NYC DCP, in which I was a liaison for a community board and was responsible for communicating information between the department and the board to demystify planning processes, convey City priorities, and integrate community needs into studies and applications.”

Beyond specific project experience, the foundational knowledge she gained at EWU continues to inform her daily work. “Generally, I feel like my education in the program set me up to understand urban planning principles such as the relationship between housing, jobs, and transit, and issues in sustainability and resiliency that I use on a daily basis when evaluating land use applications and providing guidance to developers.”

The Spokane Learning Laboratory

Teal credits Spokane’s diverse planning environment as providing exceptional educational opportunities that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere. “Spokane offers a variety of neighborhoods that show urban planning trends through the decades, and the city is part of a larger area that includes many Native American tribes and small towns,” she observes.

This diversity creates unique learning opportunities. “I think this context offers an uncommon, if not unique, opportunity to study urban planning broadly or develop specific interests such as housing typology, infill development, transportation, and rural and tribal planning. Additionally, the welcoming and active professional community offers many opportunities to build a network.”

Bridging Coasts Through Professional Networks

Although she lives across the country, Teal maintains an appreciation for the relationships formed during her time at EWU. “Since I’m now located in the Northeast, my professional network is largely made up of local planners, but I’m always happy to hear from contacts in the Pacific Northwest and would feel comfortable reaching out to former professors and classmates should I return.”

Making an Impact in the Nation’s Largest City

As an assistant urban designer in the Queens Borough Office, Delys describes her role as multifaceted: “I am part borough planner and part urban designer. This means I split my time between urban design exercises, interfacing with residents of Queens and community groups, and guiding private development applications through the city land use review process.”

Her work encompasses the full spectrum of urban planning challenges, from community engagement to technical review processes. “I look forward to starting more community-based planning work (think parks, traffic conditions, and zoning) as we return to our offices,” she noted during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Eastern Queens Team Leader, Teal advanced to a leadership role where she can shape planning decisions that affect one of the world’s most diverse boroughs. Her work contributes to the NYC Department of City Planning’s mission to plan for the strategic growth and development of the city through ground-up planning with communities.

A Model of Persistence and Preparation

Teal’s success story demonstrates how EWU’s MURP program prepares graduates not just with technical skills but with the adaptability and comprehensive understanding needed to succeed in diverse planning contexts. Her journey from Moses Lake to Queens exemplifies how determination, combined with solid educational foundations, can open doors to opportunities in some of the nation’s most competitive planning markets.

As Professor Margo Hill noted, “She did amazing work while she was here at EWU to earn her Master in Urban and Regional Planning,” and Teal’s career trajectory continues to validate the strength of EWU’s planning program in preparing graduates for success on the national stage.

For current students considering their career paths, Teal’s story illustrates that with persistence, preparation, and the comprehensive foundation provided by EWU’s MURP program, even the most ambitious planning career goals are within reach.

From intern to office leader in just five years – that’s the remarkable trajectory of Aren Murcar’s career since graduating from EWU’s Urban and Regional Planning program in 2019. Today, he serves as Office Principal at SCJ Alliance’s Spokane office, overseeing a 20-person office comprised of planners, engineers, and landscape architects, and managing planning projects across Washington, Montana, and Idaho.

A Connection That Changed Everything

Aren’s path to success began in an urban design class taught by adjunct professor Bill Grimes, who owned Studio Cascade at the time. When a classmate’s summer internship opportunity became available, Aren stepped in – a decision that would shape his entire career. By the time he started his internship in Fall 2018, Studio Cascade had been acquired by SCJ Alliance, setting the stage for his rapid advancement within the firm.

“I definitely owe it to Eastern for setting me on this path and getting me connected to Bill in the first place,” Aren reflects. “Bringing in adjuncts from the field is a cool way to connect students with job opportunities.”

Building a Planning Powerhouse

The impact of EWU’s program extends far beyond Aren’s individual success. SCJ Alliance’s Spokane office now employs twelve other EWU graduates – five others from Aren’s own cohort, four recent graduates, and three from earlier classes. The firm continues to maintain strong ties with the program through ongoing internship opportunities and guest lectures where current students learn about real-world planning projects.

Finding Purpose in Small Town Planning

Originally drawn to the complex urban challenges of cities like Seattle, Aren discovered his passion lies closer to home. Working with smaller Eastern Washington communities has opened his eyes to the unique planning needs of rural areas, particularly as state funding increasingly prioritizes planning initiatives for smaller towns.

“I did not know I would like planning for small towns,” he admits. “But there is so much that is interesting about small town planning, too. You don’t have to go to a big city to have a really exciting planning job.”

Spokane’s Growing Opportunities

As Spokane experiences significant growth and housing challenges, Aren appreciates the city’s thoughtful approach to expanding from its urban core. The region’s position as Washington’s second-largest city creates unique opportunities for planners, especially in the consulting world, where smaller communities rely on private sector expertise for their planning needs.

“The Spokane region specifically is experiencing a lot of growth and challenges in terms of the need for housing,” Aren explains. “There’s a need to think about these things as we grow and make sure we’re doing it in a way that makes sense and is efficient.”

Staying Connected

Aren maintains close ties with the EWU program, meeting regularly with faculty to stay informed about current initiatives and contributing as a guest lecturer. This ongoing relationship reflects the strong sense of stewardship that program alumni feel toward their alma mater.

“That stewardship of the program is something that means a lot to the people that have gone through it,” he says.

Looking Forward

From a student in 2018 to an office principal in 2024, Aren’s journey demonstrates the power of strong academic preparation combined with real-world connections. His story continues to inspire current students while showcasing the diverse career paths available to EWU Urban and Regional Planning graduates.

Aren earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from EWU before completing his Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning. He is a certified member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

For Della Mutungi, the transition from graduate student to practicing planner was seamless – a testament to the real-world focus and relationship-building emphasis of EWU’s Urban and Regional Planning program. As a city planner, she draws daily on both the technical skills and professional networks she developed during her time at Eastern.

From Theory to Practice

The program’s studio class proved instrumental in preparing Della for her career. “The studio class gave me real-world planning experience that I was able to transfer to my planning job,” she explains. But perhaps equally important were the connections she forged with professionals while still a student – relationships that continue to benefit her work today.

“The relationships built while still in the program made my transition to the professional world much easier,” Della notes. “Working as a planner at the city, I have continued to work with most of the practicing planners I met while in the program, in one way or another. Work is much easier when faces are familiar.”

What sets EWU’s program apart, according to Della, is its holistic approach to planner preparation. “The program focuses not only on technical skills, but soft skills needed to thrive in the planning world,” she emphasizes. This comprehensive preparation proved essential as she discovered the complex realities of municipal planning.

The program’s mentorship component also provided lasting value, introducing Della to planners with diverse experience whom she continues to learn from and emulate in her current role.

Spokane’s Unique Planning Context

Working in Spokane has given Della insight into the distinctive challenges facing mid-sized cities. “Spokane is neither a big city nor a small town, which can present a challenge for planners when balancing the pressure to grow with the residents’ desires to preserve its small city identity,” she observes.

However, Spokane’s scale also creates unique opportunities for meaningful community engagement. “Because Spokane is a small city, it’s easier to build lasting planner-resident relationships and more responsive planning processes,” Della explains. This relationship-centered approach to planning aligns perfectly with the collaborative skills emphasized in her graduate education.

A Transformed Perspective

Graduate school fundamentally changed how Della approaches planning challenges. “Before grad school, I believed in best practices and universal solutions to popular city problems,” she admits. Through the program, especially her studio class, she came to learn that each city and neighborhood has unique needs and political realities, and that the best solutions are often those that are locally grounded.

This evolution in thinking reflects a deeper understanding of cities as dynamic, complex systems. “I also learned that cities are not a finished product. They’re ever changing, and are shaped by not only policies but also people, politics, and relationships,” Della reflects. “The planner has to learn how to negotiate the differences between these factors to achieve a desired goal for the community.”

Balancing Skills for Success

Della applies this nuanced understanding in her daily work, recognizing that effective planning requires more than technical expertise. “Technical skills are important, but contextual judgement and collaboration are equally crucial,” she notes.

The relationships Della built during her time at EWU continue to be a source of professional support and growth. She maintains connections not only with fellow alumni working throughout the region but also with her former professors, whom she continues to consult as she navigates complex planning challenges.

“I have continued to rely on some of my professors while practicing, and I’m very thankful for those relationships,” she says.

Della’s experience illustrates the enduring value of EWU’s approach to planning education – one that combines rigorous technical training with relationship building, contextual understanding, and the soft skills essential for effective community engagement. Her success as a municipal planner demonstrates how the program’s emphasis on local knowledge and collaborative practice translates directly into professional effectiveness.