Get to Know Bex

Fall 2025 | Interview by Alana Lopez Barro Rivera

Bex Allen is a master’s student in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at MIT, focusing on housing, community, and economic development. They joined Kyanite Partners for the Fall of 2025 as a Graduate Analyst.

What are you studying in school?

I am getting my Master’s in City Planning with a concentration in Housing, Community and Economic Development at MIT. I am particularly interested in learning about inclusive models of real estate development and innovative uses of publicly and community-owned land.

What are you excited to work on at Kyanite Partners?

I am most excited to contribute to the firm’s work that incorporates community ownership into economic development and real estate projects.

What are the values that drive your work?

I am motivated to increase civic engagement, particularly for historically marginalized groups. I majored in economics in undergrad and am interested in work that makes government budgeting and decision-making processes more transparent and engaging.

What are the places that have deeply shaped you?

Growing up in San Diego shaped my love of nature and going to Barnard in New York gave me a love for the excitement of cities. Before graduate school I lived in the Bay Area, which I think best reflects parts of what I appreciate the most from New York and San Diego. 

What is something not many people know about you?

My favorite movie is Interstellar and I love space themed movies, shows, bars, anything really. I would have tried to be an astronaut if I wasn’t deathly afraid of heights and easily motion-sick. 

Is there anything that you’re reading or watching that’s inspiring you? 

I’m a big Octavia Butler fan. I love how her stories explore different ways of imagining the world and understanding humanity. I recently started reading Octavia’s Brood, a collection of short stories by activists that touch on themes explored in Butler’s work.