Donelle Wedderburn is a writer and designer drawn to the intersections of fiber arts, storytelling, and Black history. Raised at the crossroads of literature and architecture, she was inspired by both her mother’s love of reading and her father’s technical plumbing drawings. Donelle began her career in journalism, reporting on public space, culture, and equity, before moving into community-based teaching and advocacy through organizations like the Food Culture Collective and The University of Orange.
Her oral histories and fieldwork deepened her understanding of how land, identity, and resilience intersect. As a 2023-4 Forefront Fellow with the Urban Design Forum, she co-created the "Youth-led Libraries of the Future” project and “Free to Grow: The Case for Quality Outdoor Spaces for All Youth” This field guide includes calls to action, design recommendations, and case studies aimed at reimagining New York City's public spaces so that youth can be themselves, play freely, explore safely, and thrive in vibrant environments. At RISD, Donelle is studying landscape architecture to support and empower Black communities in co-designing climate-resilient, inclusive public spaces and fostering environmental stewardship across New Jersey and New York.
