The Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) has awarded Nisha Botchwey, dean of the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs, the 2024 Margarita McCoy Award.
This prestigious award honors women who have made significant contributions to academia and championed the inclusion and influence of women in urban planning.
Botchwey’s more than 20-year career, marked by her commitment to mentorship, leadership, and pioneering research, has established her as a champion for women and underrepresented voices in the field.
Accepting the award at the ACSP Annual Conference last weekend in Seattle, Botchwey expressed gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging it as a profound milestone.
“Receiving this award is humbling and meaningful, serving as a reminder of the importance of mentorship, which has profoundly shaped my own journey. I am honored by the opportunity to walk alongside so many dedicated colleagues and students in this work,” she said. “This award represents the impacts we achieve together, as each step we take uplifts others in planning and public policy.”
The award holds special significance for Botchwey, who cited her PhD advisor and the award’s first recipient, Genie Birch, as a significant influence on her career.
“Genie Birch’s mentorship was pivotal in shaping my path, and receiving this award in her legacy deepens its meaning,” she said.
Advancing social equity
Throughout her career, Botchwey has been dedicated to inclusion and diversity, mentoring more than 60 graduate students and colleagues, supporting them as they transitioned into leadership roles. She emphasizes fostering an environment in which all people can thrive, regardless of gender identity.
Reflecting on her philosophy, she quoted Shirley Chisholm: “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” Botchwey said for her, education and mentorship are among the greatest forms of service, empowering individuals and strengthening communities.
Botchwey’s professional journey reflects an inspiring blend of academic excellence, leadership, and service. Before joining the Humphrey School in 2022, she was the associate dean for Academic Programs at Georgia Tech, where she led the school’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Georgia Tech’s School of City and Regional Planning, she directed the Healthy Places Lab, which highlighted the intersection of environmental and health policy and the built environment.
Her research focuses on health equity, youth engagement, and the social and environmental determinants of health—themes central to her work as an urban planner and educator.
Botchwey’s scholarship underscores her dedication to advancing social equity. She has co-edited the influential volume Making Healthy Places, co-authored Health Impact Assessment in the United States, and secured over $16 million in grant funding for more than 30 projects.
Her numerous accolades include the Dale Prize for Excellence in Urban and Regional Planning and an award from the White House Council on Women and Girls for her contributions to public health and social justice.
Beyond academia, Botchwey has significantly impacted planning institutions and contributed to organizations such as the American Planning Association and the National Academy of Environmental Design. Her leadership on ACSP’s governing board has supported policies that promote diversity and inclusion across the field of planning.
In every facet of her work, Botchwey exemplifies a strong commitment to building healthier, more inclusive communities and empowering future leaders.
Rewards of mentoring
Botchwey emphasized the joy she finds in mentoring others.
“The greatest reward in this journey has been witnessing the passion, growth, and resilience of those I mentor,” she said. “In supporting their journeys, I see the future of planning and policy being shaped by diverse perspectives, creativity, and a deep commitment to equity.”
Looking ahead, Botchwey said she plans to build on the achievements that this award celebrates. With her dedication to fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments, she aims to align the strengths of the Humphrey School with global needs, especially where planning can address urgent social and environmental challenges.
Guided by the values of empathy, equity, and social justice, Botchwey continues to mentor, teach, and lead with a vision that exemplifies the transformative power of education and collaboration. She views this award not only as a personal achievement but as shared recognition for the many people who have inspired, supported, and collaborated with her along the way.
