Honor Society® member
Manda Hamilton
- Howard University
- Architecture & Sustainability Science
- Class of 2025
- Gaithersburg, Maryland
Member since April 2021
About
I recently graduated from Howard University with a degree in Architecture and will begin pursuing a Master of Science in Sustainability Science at Columbia University this fall. My passion lies at the intersection of the built and natural environment, where thoughtful design, scientific research, and sustainable innovation can work together to create healthier, more resilient communities.
I've always been driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how systems connect. Whether studying architecture, exploring environmental challenges, or collaborating with others, I'm motivated by the opportunity to develop solutions that balance human needs with environmental stewardship. I believe our cities should not only serve the people who live in them but also coexist with and restore the ecosystems that support them.
Education
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Columbia University
Sustainability Science
2026 – Present
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Howard University
architecture
2025 – 2026
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Howard University
Architecture and Design Studies
2021 – 2025
Honors and awards
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Tau Sigma Delta Honors Society
Tau Sigma Delta is an American scholastic honor society that recognizes academic achievement among students in the field of architecture and allied arts.
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Dean’s List
The Dean’s List recognizes high GPA.
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National Society of Leadership and Success
The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) is the nation's largest leadership honor society.
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Summa Cum Laude
I was recognized for graduating from my Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Design Studies program with a 3.84 high GPA.
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College of Engineering and Architecture Student Council Staff Member of the Month
I was recognized for my work as the Architectural Affairs Intern and as a graphic designer for the organization.
Goals and interests
- Career goal
My long-term goal is to help shape a future where the built environment works in harmony with the natural world. Through research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community-centered solutions, I hope to create lasting, positive change for both people and the planet.
- Graduate school interests
Columbia University
- Outside the classroom
Piano, gardening, cooking, fitness, reading
Experience
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Freelance Residential Designer
Self-Employed Designed a single-family home for a client/contractor, producing architectural drawings.
May 2025 – May 2026
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Architectural Intern
KGD Architecture Worked on permit set drawings (unit plans, overall floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations) for residential projects and material sample procurement for client meetings.
May 2024 – Aug 2024
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Architectural Intern
KGD Architecture Supported analysis of residential development feasibility through yield studies and editorial work. Participated in site visits and interdisciplinary coordination, observing architectural workflows.
May 2023 – Aug 2023
Volunteering
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Member and Event Chair: I participated in a multitude of community service events. I also chaired an event, which sought to deepen understanding of the critical role architecture played in shaping not only the physical skyline of Washington, D.C., but also its social fabric and community dynamics. Architecture influenced housing equity by determining how spaces were designed, who had access to them, and how neighborhoods evolved over time. Through thoughtful design, architects helped create inclusive environments that fostered a sense of belonging, preserved cultural heritage, and resisted displacement. Participants explored how architectural decisions, from building scale and material choice to neighborhood planning and public space design, impacted affordability, accessibility, and sustainability. By highlighting case studies and real-life examples from D.C., the event illustrated both the challenges and innovative solutions within the city's housing landscape. This event was incredibly meaningful to me, and I was grateful to shed light on these topics.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (Alpha Chapter) at Howard University
Mar 2025 – May 2026
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Member: I facilitated the planning of the Hygiene Bag Assembly Event and served as a participant in it. The purpose of this event was to prepare hygiene care packages with encouraging messages for women experiencing homelessness in Washington, D.C. All care packages were delivered to the nonprofit organization New Endeavors. The event aimed to support and uplift homeless women in the D.C. community who may not have had access to essential hygiene necessities, while providing them with practical resources and words of encouragement. I participated in a 5K Walkathon. The mission was to raise awareness of sickle cell disease, educate the campus community about its impact, and demonstrate solidarity with individuals and families affected by the condition. By bringing students together in support of this cause, the event encouraged advocacy, fostered compassion, and emphasized the importance of advancing research, increasing public awareness, and promoting equitable access to care for those living with sickle cell disease. I managed my organization's budget by tracking expenses, maintaining financial records, and creating spreadsheets with formulas to improve financial reporting and accountability. I prepared and presented funding proposals to the Howard University Student Senate to secure financial support for community service initiatives, coordinated membership dues and organizational purchases, and collaborated with Circle K International on funding and sponsorship processes. As Social Media Coordinator, I designed promotional content and managed the organization's social media platforms to increase engagement, promote service events, and strengthen campus outreach. I helped plan and coordinate community outreach initiatives, including canned food drives and back-to-school supply drives, to provide essential resources to individuals and families in need. I also assisted with organizing the “Here’s the Scoop” fundraiser, which supported internal organizational needs by helping provide resources for continued programming. I participated in a Breast Cancer Awareness tabling. The mission of this breast cancer awareness event was to educate the campus community about the importance of breast health, early detection, and proactive self-advocacy. Through educational resources and conversations about self-examinations, risk factors, and screening, the event empowered participants to make informed health decisions, reduce stigma surrounding breast health, and promote a culture of wellness, prevention, and support within the community. I helped organize a Banneker Park cleanup (the part adjacent to Howard University). The mission of this community service event was to promote environmental stewardship and contribute to a cleaner, healthier public space for Washington, D.C. residents. By restoring Banneker Park through litter removal and park maintenance, volunteers helped preserve a shared community resource while advancing environmental justice, encouraging civic responsibility, and fostering pride in the neighborhoods we serve.
Circle K International
Jul 2024 – Jul 2025
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
Additional information
Organizations
