Her Story
About Sangeeta
Sangeeta Deokar serves as Planning Supervisor for Pinal County in Arizona, where she leads planning initiatives focused on sustainable growth, thoughtful development, and creating communities that positively impact residents and future generations. With nearly three decades of professional experience, including more than 12 years specializing in planning, she brings a unique multidisciplinary background that combines architecture, urban design, land use planning, and community development.
Sangeeta began her career in architecture and urban design in India, where she also served as a university-level educator in Mumbai. After relocating to the United States, she pursued advanced education in urban and environmental planning at Arizona State University, building upon her architectural foundation and passion for sustainable communities. She holds a Master of Urban and Environmental Planning from Arizona State University, a Master of Urban Design from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Ancient Indian Culture (Art, Architecture, and History) from the University of Mumbai, and a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) in Architecture and Building Design from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. She also holds LEED and Green Building certifications.
Throughout her career with Pinal County, Sangeeta has advanced from an entry-level Planning Technician role to Planning Supervisor, where she leads a team of six and oversees comprehensive planning, zoning, land use planning, master planning, and development review efforts. Her areas of specialization include sustainable community planning, city development, urban design, and policy implementation. She is actively involved in professional organizations, including the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), the Arizona chapter of the American Planning Association, and planning organizations in India. Sangeeta attributes her success to curiosity, continuous learning, empathy, and a commitment to supporting others. She encourages aspiring professionals to embrace persistence, remain open to non-linear career paths, and recognize that growth comes from continually seeking opportunities to learn and improve.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sangeeta
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to an internal drive to seek something better and to make a better place, a better life. Whether it's being a human to my people around me, listening to them, being empathetic. And that's been more fulfilling. I feel good when somebody says thank you for sharing this piece of advice. I've been almost a counselor for my team. I'm a people person. I like to help them, I like to connect with them and help them out.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never underestimate the value of curiosity and persistence. A career does not always have to follow a straight path, and my own journey has been shaped by embracing new opportunities and challenges along the way. I believe in the importance of continuous learning, asking questions, seeking guidance from mentors, and being open to experiences that push me beyond my comfort zone. Growth often begins where certainty ends, and staying curious, adaptable, and committed to learning is essential for long-term success.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are creativity, continuous learning, and staying connected with the world around me. I am a hands-on person who enjoys creating and building things, whether through my professional work or personal hobbies. I love hiking, gardening, and finding ways to grow plants in Arizona’s challenging climate, including caring for my fruit trees. I also enjoy sewing, crocheting, and embroidery, which allow me to express my creativity and attention to detail. These activities reflect my appreciation for patience, craftsmanship, and the joy of creating something meaningful.
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