Bio
Diana H. Peña grew up on the border in Laredo, Texas, in a family that embraced diverse perspectives and instilled in her a deep commitment to equity and social responsibility. This foundation led her to Boston University, where she studied International Relations, later pursuing graduate work in Political Science and Public Administration. Her studies, along with her experiences studying abroad in Ecuador and Mexico, laid the groundwork for her dedication to inclusive, equity-driven community building.
Diana’s many years of helping the homeless through her board work with Bethany House—an organization that provides shelter and meals for the indigent—have deepened her interests in public policy, social equity, and urban design, especially in understanding how the built environment impacts mental health. An accredited member of the Congress of New Urbanism, Diana brings this perspective to her role as co-founder and partner of Able City, a San Antonio-based firm integrating architecture, planning, economic development, and community engagement to create sustainable, inclusive cities.
Her expertise has contributed to the industry reference book Equity Planner by Jason King, underscoring her dedication to community care when practicing planning. She also spearheaded Able City’s initiative to embed equity within the firm itself, involving the entire team in goal-setting sessions essential to the company’s participation in the Vatican’s Council for Inclusive Capitalism, a role reflecting her commitment to fostering diverse perspectives in her practice. Diana is part of the Urban Planning Professional Advisory Council (PLANPAC) at Texas A&M University, and plays a key role in curriculum enrichment, strategic planning for A&M’s Master of Urban Planning program, and facilitating connections between students, alumni, faculty, and employers.
Certifications
- The Congress for New Urbanism- CNU: Accredited Member
Education
- Texas A&M International University
- Graduate work in Political Science and Public Administration. -Dean’s List
- Boston University
- Bachelor’s of Arts & Sciences, Major in International Relations with a minor in Spanish Literature
- Primary focus in Foreign Policy and Security Studies with a secondary focus in Latin American Studies
- Education Abroad
- Universidad San Francisco De Quito
- Quito, Ecuador
- Universidad De Monterrey
- Monterrey, Mexico
- Harvard University
- Early College Credits
