CNU FL's Young Leaders Group was co-founded by Andrés Corrales, CNU-A from Miami and Briana Dobbs from Sarasota at the 2023 CNU FL Summit to facilitate interaction amongst the future leaders of the CNU movement within the State of Florida. Our members consist of young professionals such as architects, urban planners, developers, investors, engineers, academics, government officials, citizen advocates, and students or recent graduates. We work within and outside of our professions to further the organization’s mission of championing walkable urbanism through talks with the legends of our movement and the coordination of tours around the state for educational and networking opportunities. CNU is the nation’s most innovative and influential organization promoting the building and revitalization of great urban places.
Throughout each year, we host multiple educational and social events, so be sure to follow us on social media and stay tuned!
To learn more about how you can join the CNU Florida Young Leaders Group activities and events, contact us at young-leaders@cnuflorida.org.
Check out our current Young Leaders Group below:
Co-Chair: Andrés Corrales
Andrés Corrales is a driven Sprawl Repair Developer, urbanist, and founder of Aguadulce Companies. Raised in Miami-Dade County, Florida, Andrés discovered his passion for urban development during his time studying abroad. He completed his Bachelor of Communications at FIU and went on to pursue a master's degree with a concentration in Urban Development at the University of Barcelona, in one of the most prestigious places for walkable urban design in the world. Andrés is CNU-Accredited and actively contributes to advancing New Urbanism practices and engaging with industry leaders.
Co-Chair: Briana Dobbs
Briana Dobbs is Chief Planner for the City of Sarasota Planning Department and attended her first national CNU conference in 2017. Her work with the city has included drafting zoning text amendments, long range planning, and current planning initiatives for the Urban Design Studio, Planning Department, and Development Services Department. Briana is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and is CNU-Accredited. She received her Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Virginia and Master of Science in Architectural Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Design from the University of Florida – Design, Construction, and Planning School.
Vice Chair of Communications: McKinzie Maloney
McKinzie is a proactive professional in a gap year before law school with experience in event coordination, communications, and volunteer work. As a Development Intern at Aguadulce Companies, she efficiently manages meetings and provides crucial administrative support. Serving as Vice Chair of Communications for FL Young Leaders, McKinzie excels in creating public relations campaigns and organizing events to promote the organization's mission. With a Bachelor of Science from Florida International University in Criminal Justice on a pre-law track, McKinzie brings a strong foundation in research and advocacy. Her commitment to community service, exemplified through volunteer work as a Guardian Ad Litem, underscores their dedication to making a positive impact. McKinzie is poised to leverage her skills and experiences to drive meaningful change in real estate development and construction.
Vice Chair of Environmentalism: Kristin Anderson
As the Chief Branch Officer of IDEAS For Us, Kristin currently spearheads environmental initiatives in Florida and works to catalyze global leaders to replicate these efforts in their respective communities. The approach centers on addressing worldwide challenges through grassroots solutions.
Vice Chair of Public Transportation: Vince Sciullo
Vince Sciullo supports the development of Tri-Rail, South Florida's premier passenger rail system. In his role within the SFRTA Public Affairs Department, Vince collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to improve the customer experience. His key responsibilities include facilitating first and last mile programs, monitoring social media channels, content management for Tri-Rail’s website and mobile app, and developing presentations for Executive staff. Vince also represents SFRTA/Tri-Rail in the community by presenting to community groups, businesses, and government organizations.
Vice Chair of Green Building: Alexis Barry
Alexis Barry is a recent graduate of the University of Florida, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Sustainability and the Built Environment. During her time at UF, she held the role of Sustainability Building Coordinator at the Office of Planning, Design, and Construction, contributing to the development and maintenance of green buildings across campus. Additionally, during her undergraduate years, she interned with the USGBC's LEED for Cities and MTD teams from Summer 2022 to Spring 2023. In this capacity, she collaborated with local governments in Florida to enhance quality of life, promote social equity, improve inter-community communication, and support cities in achieving LEED certification.
Currently, Alexis serves as an Associate for the U.S. Market Transformation and Development team, based in Orlando, FL. As a native Floridian, she takes pleasure in outdoor activities, reading, painting, and leisurely walks, often accompanied by her dog, Jack, and a refreshing iced coffee.
Vice Chair of Community Affairs: Luisana Castillo
Digital marketing specialist with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science: International Relations and from the University of Central Florida. Currently seeking a Masters in Public Administration. Skilled in Business Administration, Bilingual Customer Service, and Digital Marketing.
Director of Governmental & Political Affairs Committee: Paola Leon Alburjas
Paola Leon Alburjas brings her wealth of experience and expertise in Transportation Engineering, Land Development, and Government Affairs to the forefront. Collaborating with a team of engineers and planners, Paola conceptualizes, executes, and evaluates transportation, bicycle, and pedestrian projects to enhance community mobility, safety, and sustainability.
With over seven years of experience in the Transportation Engineering and Land Development domain, Paola has demonstrated her expertise in both the private sector and various levels of government administration. Her career journey began as a Transportation Project Manager at the Florida Department of Transportation, where she played a pivotal role in planning, executing, and overseeing highway projects. Furthermore, she led Districtwide Traffic Data management initiatives, fostering collaborative efforts with multiple districts and the FDOT Central Office in Tallahassee, the heart of governmental affairs in Florida.
Additionally, Paola contributed significantly to the FDOT by working on creating engineering specifications for the Florida Senate, further solidifying her impact on transportation policy and regulation in the state.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions to the community and the Civil Engineering profession, Paola was honored with the prestigious "Young Engineer of the Year" award in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Florida International University and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Louisville. She graduated with distinction with an exceptional 3.97 GPA.
Driven by her passion for innovation and sustainability, Paola remains committed to devising forward-thinking solutions to address modern society's complex transportation challenges. As Director of Governmental & Political Affairs, she continues advocating for policies and initiatives that promote sustainable urban development and transportation systems, leveraging her expertise and experience in engineering and governmental affairs.
APA Emerging Leaders Liaison: Jarrell Smith
Emerging transportation planning professional. Skilled in Microsoft Word and Excel, Conflict Resolution, Environmental Awareness, Arc GIS, Policy Writing, Community Engagement, Project Management, Teamwork, Grant Management, and Leadership.
