Elizabeth Class-Maldonado

As Associate Vice President and Pennsylvania State Director, Elizabeth Class-Maldonado leads Trust for Public Land’s efforts across the state to connect communities to parks, trails, and protected open spaces. She oversees the Pennsylvania team’s work in land protection, trail development, park creation, and the Community Schoolyards program, ensuring that youth and families have access to the quality green spaces they deserve. Elizabeth plays a key role in cultivating cross-sector partnerships with schools, public agencies, and nonprofits, advancing equitable investment in public spaces across the state.

Elizabeth joined Trust for Public Land in 2020, bringing deep experience in community development. Prior to TPL, she worked at an architecture firm in Camden focused on affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization, and led the Puerto Rican Art Center at LEAP Academy University Charter School, where she empowered youth through arts and education.

She holds dual degrees in Environmental Design and Art History and a Master of Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. Elizabeth also serves as Vice-Chair of the Center for Design Philadelphia, where she leads the Design Education and Designing Futures Committees. A proud Puerto Rican professional, she brings her culture, passion for equity, and design background to the heart of her work, ensuring public spaces reflect the culture, needs, and aspirations of the communities they serve.