Michelle Chen Hsia

Analyst

Michelle Chen Hsia

Michelle Chen is an urban planner specializing in inclusive economic development and placemaking by strengthening local anchors. She believes in the power of community-driven economic initiatives to foster diversity, innovation, and prosperity and is committed to creating a lasting impact within the neighborhoods she works.

As an Analyst at Urbane, Michelle leverages her unique combination of urban planning, architecture, and analytics skills to contribute to the Research and Consulting division and The Mangrove at Flatbush Central.  Michelle most recently leveraged her design and planning knowledge to conduct a feasibility study for the redevelopment of the 13th Regiment Armory, while considering local priorities and community needs during the assessment of potential solutions.

Prior to joining Urbane, Michelle worked at a culinary incubator helping small business owners amid NYC’s thriving and ever-changing food industry. She also worked as a junior architect across firms in Washington, DC and Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Michelle Chen holds a Master of Urban Planning from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia. Michelle was born and raised in Guatemala City and now lives in Brooklyn.