Ada Rustow

Ada is an urban planner with experience in environmental planning, international communications, and program development.

Prior to joining the R-Cities, Ada worked at UN-Habitat on the Global Public Space team, where she helped develop strategies for inclusive public spaces and coordinate knowledge exchange around urban health and resilience. In previous research positions, she focused on issues ranging from the urban implementation of Green New Deal strategies to financing for coastal retreat.

In her capacity as a planner, she has worked to develop strategic plans focused on resilient economic development in partnership with planners from the Galapagos, Ecuador, Nairobi, Kenya, and various cities in the United States. Her experience in development has enabled her to work with a wide range of international organizations as well as leading the English language communications strategy and outreach for a small urban development organization in Hebron, Palestine.

Ada received her undergraduate degree from the University of Saint Andrews in International Relations and Arabic and her Master’s in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania.