Serena Schwallie

Interior Design, 2021

Franklinton Frameworks is making the building trades more accessible for Franklinton residents. The former firehouse becomes a local center for the Building Futures nonprofit: a pre-apprenticeship program that introduces low-income Franklin County residents to the building trades. Giving localized access to the program promotes job growth in the area and, in the face of new interest in revitalizing the Franklinton neighborhoods, will allow residents to take part in the changing fabric. Alongside of introductory building classes, Franklinton Frameworks will offer GED (General Education Development) classes so that program participants will be able to continue into an apprenticeship through Building Futures – for which a high school diploma or a GED equivalent is a prerequisite. A community asset in a familiar neighborhood landmark, Franklinton Frameworks is offering the tools and next-steps for Franklinton residents seeking new opportunities through the building trades.

Serena Schwallie is graduating from the Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Design and a minor in Real Estate. She is Toledo born and Columbus based - a proud Ohioan. Serena is the coleader of the IIDA Ohio State Campus Center and currently works in a residential design internship here in Columbus. Serena is inspired by history and community and is daily motivated by her family and her faith.