OCTOBER 2023
GENERAL MEETING
WE-A NEWSLETTER
What WE-A Have Been Up To!
IN THIS ISSUE
Hi WE-A Tribe,
A23 X SD - WEA We're absolutely thrilled to have you join us for our virtual meeting this month. For those who couldn't
SUPPORTED PANELS
make it, here are the major updates we shared about programs and initiatives WE-A has going this fall: a’23 x SD
MENTORSHIP MATTERS -
At this year’s chapter conference we were able to
FALL 2023 EVENTS
support two panels - one on Mentorship in collaboration with ACE Mentor Program and the second about inclusive design practices. The ACE Panel “Mentorship and Work Life Balance in Architecture” had a diverse panel including: DGA, Gensler, Coston Architects, BNIM and Anthony Damon
LOOKING FORWARD TO 2024
from DPR Construction. There was a lively discussion surrounding topics around mentorship including what a quality mentorship experience looks like, opportunities for everyone to be a mentor in different ways and strategies for work/ life balance with regards to communication with firm and project leadership.
NEXT VIRTUAL MTG 12/5
The audience was very engaged with panelists and several other relevant topics were discussed including hybrid work and how it impacts mentorship as well as the importance of networking and engaging in the community. The Inclusive Design Panel “Designing for All Redefining Inclusive & Universal Design Strategies” was supported by Co-Directors of EDI+J Barbara Leon and Dina Gonzalez. It highlighted the work of panelists from Gensler and Schmidt Group with diverse project examples ranging from playgrounds to building design including considerations that go beyond CBC 11A/11B. ACE Mentor Panel
Gensler shared how a dedicated position in their firm allows them to make sure these types of “filters” for design consideration are taken into account on a project at every stage.
Inclusive Design Panel
Mentorship Matters This Fall WE-A is sponsoring two mentorship eventsthe first is by our Laura Shinn Diversity Scholarship Winner Martha Miganos. She will be presenting this month to Hilltop Highschool about her inspiration to pursue architecture and her experience in architecture school. Our second presentation will be in December at Spring Valley Teen Center. WE-A Co-Chair Kristen Tuerk will be presenting with other Balfour Beatty members about how kids can get involved in both architecture and construction fields.
K12 Presentation by 2022 Scholarship Winner Sam Marquez
Looking Forward to 2024 As we gear up for 2024, the committee also engaged with members about key future events and programs for next year. We talked about including programs elevating other related disciplines such as lighting design, graphic design and others. We also talked about keep general meetings virtual to be more inclusive as well as keeping social events in person to keep our sense of community and support. Next Virtual Meeting - Dec 5th All in all, we’ve been busy and look forward to a strong end of our year. Hope you can all join us for our next virtual meeting on December 5th @ 4:30p. See our website calendar and social media link in bio to register!
Diversity Scholarship Winners
@aiasd.wea