Sheba Ross leads HKS's Cities and Communities practice, focusing on purposeful urban growth, connection, and revitalization. Her professional foundation started with a Bachelor of Architecture from Anna University (India) followed by a Master of Urban Design from the University of Colorado at Denver, both of which she graduated with honors. Her career has a dual character since she received her Architectural practice license in India and her Urban Planning license in USA. With over two decades in the profession, Sheba emphasizes culturally rich and environmentally conscious projects, enhancing both buildings and the spaces between them. Her work centers on storytelling and detail-oriented master planning to empower the private and public sectors.
Sheba serves on ULI Atlanta's Advisory Board and chairs key leadership programs. Recently, she advised seven mayors on the Mayors' Institute on City Design's National Taskforce and spoke at UN COP 28 and the World Green Economy Summit. As a Just Communities accredited professional, she champions public participation, linking wellbeing with urban revitalization. Sheba was recognized by the ULI Atlanta WLI ChangeMakers program as one of the most influential women in real estate in Atlanta.
Speaking at
Tue May 13
2:30 PM — 3:30 PM (GMT-07:00) Mountain Time
Brain-Healthy, Climate-Positive Cities
A growing body of research indicates that physical space profoundly impacts our brain health. However, the regenerative capacity of our buildings and public places remains largely untapped. The way we think, feel, learn, and behave are influenced by our context. What if every real estate and capital infrastructure investment was intentional about its regenerative potential for equitable public health, economic development potential, dignity for all, and nature? A mindset shift, from "less bad" to positive outcomes, is required, and brain-healthy cities will help us better leverage the stressed and constrained cognitive power of our citizenry. These efforts have been shared in international forums such as the United Nations General Assembly Science Summit and World Economic Forum, as well as local policy and advocacy events such as the Innovate4Cities conference co-hosted by UN-Habit and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy.