Julia Jannon-Shields, a graduate of the University of Washington (UW), has been recognized with the 2026 Spark Award by the UW Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity for her impactful work in equity and community planning. Jannon-Shields is dedicated to reshaping urban planning to prioritize community, access, and belonging, drawing from her experiences growing up in the diverse San Francisco Bay Area. Her early understanding of equity, shaped by the region's rapid urban changes, guided her academic journey in the Community, Environment & Planning program at UW. As a student, she engaged with historically underrepresented communities, fostering trust and shared experiences. Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, she advocated for more inclusive curricula within the College of Built Environments, prompting significant shifts in how design education approaches inclusion. Since graduating, she has held various roles in King County, including Community Engagement & Policy Advisor and Regional Planning Equity & Engagement Program Manager. Her national influence includes partnerships with the BlackSpace Urbanist Collective, focusing on honoring Black cultural identity in urban design. Currently, she serves as a planning development supervisor for the Seattle Department of Transportation, emphasizing the importance of equity in the region's rapid growth.