After entering a Master’s of Fine Arts program in interior design, Mona Nahm’s passion for sustainability came into focus. While her initial motivation was to reduce waste, a holdover from her time on film sets and with disaster relief, her interest grew toward healthy materials as she learned about volatile organic compounds and other common hazardous chemicals. 

While working with YA Studio, Nahm first encountered the International Living Future Institute. “I saw the flower growing out of the dirt as a reflection of myself,” she noted. “I am someone who grew with the resources around me.” 

Nahm was accepted into the Institute’s Affordable Housing Pilot Program, where she had an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. “ILFI is creating a little family,” she said, noting “I would not have this community without the affordable housing pilot.”

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