2024-2025 Wagner Planner Staff

Ally La Pinta                                             
Co-Editor                                                        

Ally earned a B.A. in Sociology and Fine Arts from the George Washington University in 2020. Before coming to Wagner, she supported several nonprofits in Washington, D.C., where she engaged with issues of equity, education, healthcare, and sustainability. In her current role at NYCEDC, Ally supports economic development projects focused on housing, pedestrianization, and industry advancement across NYC. Ally’s professional interests gravitate towards public realm planning, urban design, and public health. In her spare time, you’ll either find her in Central Park, at a hot-yoga class, or figure drawing at the National Arts Club. 

 Deaunte Johnson                                           

Co-Editor                                                           

Deaunte earned a B.S. in Liberal Studies at the University of Houston in 2023 before going straight into graduate education at Wagner. Through various internships at ACLU Texas, GLAD, Rock The Vote, Family Equality, NYLCV, Deaunte has demonstrated how their interests lie in advocating for Black populations and conducting research in order to identify ways that policy can meet theory to ensure Black liberation in America and abroad. Deaunte currently supports environmental infrastructure projects in New York City as a Consultant at WSP USA Inc. In their spare time, Deaunte writes poetry, tries various sweet treats around the City, and engages in various forms of entertainment from musicals to the most trendy streaming series.

Gabriel Alejandro Negron Torres            Staff Writer                                                     

Gabriel holds a dual degree in Political Science and Geography from the University of Puerto Rico, where his passion for advocating for the Puerto Rican community’s needs took root. His experience spans working in the Puerto Rico State House, where he authored several bills aimed at improving public transit and environmental protection, as well as at the NYC Council. Gabriel is driven by a worldview shaped by Constructivism theory and spatial thinking, believing that the design and use of space have profound effects on social dynamics and equity within communities. In his spare time, Gabriel enjoys exploring the city, whether it’s collecting culinary experiences, or attending cultural events, while also staying active by playing volleyball.

Joey Smith                                         
Staff Writer

A New York State Native, Joey joins the Wagner Planner with a background in economic development and climate policy. Having graduated from Binghamton University with a BS in Economics, Joey worked as a consultant for a strategic communications firm before pursuing a career in public service. Currently, he works as a policy analyst at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection. When he’s not reading books about history or urban planning, Joey can be found playing the banjo, trying new foods, or wandering around the City.

Zachary Alfaro                                     
Staff Writer

Originally from Edinburg, Texas, Zachary attended and graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and in Finance in May 2022. After MIT, he worked at the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO) in Mexico City working on anti corruption efforts in the public procurement process for 6 months. Then he moved to São Paulo, Brazil, for the year 2023 to work on a Fulbright Research Grant researching how to promote sustainable supply chains for non-timber forest products in the Brazilian Amazon. Now, at NYU, Zachary is pursuing a Master of Urban Planning to then use to advocate for more inclusive and pedestrianized cities. Zachary, with his knack for yapping, can talk about basically any topic; ask him about urban planning, sports, languages, and so on.

Gibson Chu                                  
Staff Writer

Gibson Chu (he/him) is a first-year MUP student serving as the first year rep for UPSA, with a focus on sustainable transportation, public spaces, and affordable housing. He is interested in bridging the gap between urban technology and public policy, writes about urban spaces in his blog, In Spaces, and is working to improve micro-mobility and the private/public space partnership. For the past 5 years, he has worked as a product manager in healthcare startups, AI job search companies, and e-commerce, after graduating from UC Berkeley with an Economics and Cognitive Science degree. Outside of work, he loves to run around the city, volunteer with elementary and middle school kids through Apex, and make photo zines.

Chloe Ashford                                   
Staff Writer

Chloe comes to NYU Wagner with 5 years of communications experience spanning multiple industries, from government consulting to nonprofit advocacy. As a Master’s in Urban Planning candidate, Chloe’s interests lie in using data and storytelling to help people access the resources they need to live well. She’s excited to use this forum to share what she learns with other planning nerds, prospective and current!

Max Gordy                                     
Staff Writer

Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Max earned a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA in 2022. During his time at UCLA and working in Los Angeles after graduation, Max has been engaged in various community engagement and public service projects. In his most recent job with the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative, he led projects focused on equitable community engagement and public space revitalization. Max has been passionate about housing since working in the self-help center of the Los Angeles County Superior Courthouse assisting self-represented litigants facing eviction. In his spare time, Max enjoys street photography and making music with his laptop.