Rosalie Perez

Rosalie Perez, Ph.D., stands as a distinguished Research Fellow at the Global Insights Institute (GII) and the founder of the Urban Roots Initiative (URI), based in San Francisco. At URI, she brings together a dynamic team of experts from various disciplines to explore urban sustainability, community resilience, and innovative approaches to city living.

In 2023, Rosalie took on the role of Lead Researcher and Editor for the groundbreaking book "The Urban Renaissance," collaborating closely with environmental scientist Dr. Maria Gonzalez and city planner Alan Chen. This work delves into how modern cities can evolve into more sustainable and livable spaces while addressing challenges like climate change and social inequality.

A passionate advocate for environmental stewardship, Rosalie has contributed articles to platforms ranging from Wired to The Ecologist, discussing topics such as green infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable development. She also launched "City Green Diaries," an interactive journal that inspires urban residents to document their efforts towards eco-friendly lifestyles and reflect on their impact on the environment.

Her latest venture, Thriving Cities Blueprint™, is designed to empower communities to adapt to urban challenges without losing sight of cultural heritage and human connection. In 2024, this initiative was introduced as a course at Stanford University titled "Thriving Cities: Sustainability and Heritage." A follow-up course, "Thriving Cities: Urban Innovation and Equity," was offered at MIT in the spring of 2025. The project aims to culminate in a comprehensive guidebook for fostering resilient and vibrant urban areas.

Dr. Perez has lectured at prestigious institutions including Stanford University, MIT, and the University of California, Berkeley. Her consulting firm, Urban Solutions Collective, LLC, provides tailored services for urban planning, sustainability strategies, and community engagement programs that challenge conventional thinking about urban development and public policy.

Rosalie has been part of task forces for organizations like the Urban Land Institute and the Sierra Club, and serves on the advisory boards of the Bay Area Environmental Coalition and the National Urban Development Forum. She is committed to promoting academic freedom and open dialogue within her field and beyond.

Dr. Perez earned her Ph.D. in Urban Studies and Environmental Psychology from MIT, where her research at the Laboratory for Sustainable Cities focused on the intersection of urban design, ecological balance, and quality of life. Inspired by the concept of "Biophilia," coined by biologist E.O. Wilson, her work examines how integrating natural elements into urban environments can enhance well-being and foster a deeper connection to nature.

The core mission of Dr. Perez's career is to cultivate sustainable practices and mindsets that enable cities to flourish as hubs of innovation, diversity, and prosperity. Her projects have received backing from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network, underscoring the importance of her vision for the future of our cities.

In addition to her doctoral degree, Rosalie holds a Master's in Environmental Planning and a Bachelor's in Geography.