Onwenu receives 2025 CANR Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Award

Alex Dardas<dardasal@msu.edu> -

Stephanie Onwenu (’18, ’19, School of Planning, Design and Construction) will receive the 2025 CANR Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Award during the annual ANR Awards on Friday, March 7.

Stephanie Onwenu, of Detroit, Michigan, will receive the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Award at the March 7 ANR Awards Program.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Alumni Award recognizes alumni for their professional accomplishments, service and contributions in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion to the CANR, their field and community.

A distinguished visual artist, landscape designer and educator, Onwenu earned bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture in 2018 and a master’s degree in environmental design in 2019 from the School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC). Raised in Detroit, MI, Onwenu’s academic journey at CANR laid the foundation for her leadership in landscape architecture and service to the community. Notably, she made history as the first Black woman to graduate from the Master of Environmental Design program at MSU.

Onwenu was an active leader in the MSU Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), serving as vice president and president from 2017-2019. She led student initiatives focused on inclusivity and community engagement. Her service and dedication earned her a nomination for the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Outstanding Student Leadership Award, and she was selected as the student speaker at the May 2019 commencement ceremony.

After graduation, Onwenu expanded her influence by blending her design expertise and commitment to community empowerment. As the inaugural Public Interest Design Fellow at the Detroit Collaborative Design Center, she collaborated on community-driven design projects focused on inclusive, healing public spaces for marginalized communities. This work highlighted her belief in the transformative power of design for social change.

One of Onwenu’s key contributions was her exhibition “Their Untold Stories – Black Landscape Architects Michigan Connection,” which explored the histories and impact of Black landscape architects in Michigan. The exhibition received a 2023 Honor Award from the Michigan Chapter of ASLA. Onwenu was also awarded the ASLA Emerging Professional Medal, one of the highest honors bestowed by the American Society of Landscape Architects. This award acknowledges emerging leaders who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to both the landscape architecture profession and their communities.

From 2020-2022 and again from 2022-2024, Onwenu served as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Michigan Chapter of ASLA. She co-led efforts to create a DEI committee aimed at supporting students from underserved backgrounds and amplifying underrepresented voices in the profession.

She also helped launch the Michigan ASLA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization providing scholarships, grants, and support to diverse students pursuing careers in landscape architecture. Through this initiative, Onwenu has worked to ensure future landscape architects can create spaces that reflect the identities and cultures of the communities they serve. As a board member of the Landscape Architecture Alumni & Advisory Board, she plays a key role in supporting emerging professionals through portfolio reviews, student-led events and conferences.

Currently, Onwenu runs Ijeomalandartscapes LLC, a landscape art experience exploring the intersections of art, design, culture and history. Through her work, she continues to promote DEI in landscape architecture, ensuring the profession becomes more inclusive, equitable and reflective of diverse communities.

You can learn more about past CANR Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Alumni Award winners here. 

To learn more about the School of Planning, Design and Construction, visit  https://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/

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