CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNTIY
WHO WE ARE
Rhode Island Minorities in Architecture & Design (RIMiAD) is an organization that fosters connections between individuals from underrepresented groups within the architecture, design, and allied fields. Founded in November 2022, RIMiAD has created a space for networking and community-building among designers and professionals. A critical part of RIMiAD’s mission is to promote diversity in the workplace by providing support to current professionals and inspiring students of all backgrounds to pursue architecture and design fields. Our organization is run by a committee of volunteers dedicated to furthering RIMiAD’s mission through planning events and developing new resources for our community. Our meetup events bring professionals and college students together every other month and are hosted at minority-owned businesses throughout the state. In 2024 we launched the RIMiAD Mentorship Program and successfully paired up 11 mentees and mentors We also held a workshop in the fall on Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout
We are excited to continue to partner with our fiscal sponsor, DESIGNxRI, to grow our network and expand our organizational reach in Rhode Island.
RhodeIslandMinoritiesin Architecture&Design
LETTER FROM THE FOUNDERS
For the past two years we have been able to reach hundreds of individuals in the architecture and design fields through continued bimonthly meetup events at minority owned businesses in Rhode Island
2024 was a big year filled with growth for us; we launched our mentorship program and were very fortunate to have 18 mentors sign up In the end, we paired up 11 mentors and mentees. The program was a great success and we look forward to repeating it this year.
Based on our community’s feedback, we provided a fall workshop on managing stress and preventing burnout which was led by Dr. Corey Martin Fitzgerald from Brown University. This workshop gave us some much-needed tools to deal with professional and personal challenges.
We are extremely thankful to all of our sponsors and donors who made it possible to continue to provide free access to all our events As we look back at the last two years and the community that we have been continuing to build, we are thankful for our volunteers and all of their hard work. We are also grateful for all the support that we have received from the architecture and design community. Together we are helping to break barriers and make resources available to our community and we look forward to continuing to do so.
Thank you for your support!
RIMiAD was able to be a representative of the design industry at URI’s Building Unity & Inspired Leaders of the Diaspora (B U I L D ) This event was hosted by the Multicultural Student Services Center as an intentional Space for URI students and BIPOC employers, leaders, & local organizations to meet, collaborate, and make valuable connections
Our very own, Moises Valcarcel Gonzalez, had the honor of representing and speaking on behalf of RIMiAD at the AIA RI 2024 Honor & Design Awards at the Guild in Pawtucket. This was an invaluable opportunity for us to showcase the resources we offer our community
Tami Hughes and Moises Valcarcel Gonzalez
MEET THE TEAM
BRIANNA VALCOURT (SHE/HER)
Senior Planner at City of Cranston Planning Department
I feel personally connected to this platform we are creating for underrepresented individuals like myself to enter and thrive in the architecture and design fields. I am motivated by using my voice to support individuals, interested in architecture or design, who may not have had the same opportunities as others due to systemic barriers Since my involvement with RIMiAD, I take pride in our effort to raise questions and highlight minority voices to showcase the power of diversity in design.
CARSON SMITH (HE/HIM)
Designer at UNION Architecture and Community Design
My favorite RIMiAD memories from 2024 are getting to know the other committee members better and enjoying the people and food at the Minority Meetups It's great to catch up with friends I haven't seen in a while, make new friends with people attending their first events, and experience unique and delicious cuisines. I'm looking forward to more fun, friends, and food in 2025! :)
JING WU (SHE/HER)
Chief Innovation Officer at Stephen Turner Inc
RIMiAD’s mission resonates deeply with me because I want to uplift voices from marginalized communities One of my favorite experiences in 2024 was brainstorming survey ideas to gather input from members about their needs and event suggestions. I was thrilled to see how this process led to the workshop on burnout I also understand that not everyone, myself included, feels comfortable in large events A personal goal for 2025 is to help RIMiAD find innovative ways to connect with those individuals and make them feel welcomed in our organization.
JASMINE A. ARNDT (SHE/HER)
Job Captain at Aharonian & Associates
My favorite RIMiAD memory of 2024 would be our Fall Workshop. This was the first year we introduced the Fall Workshop, and not only was it very fun, inciteful and helpful; but it showed that our community can grow to be more than our bi-monthly meetups We can expand and grow with our community. It gives me hope for the future.
JOANNA
GROCOTT (SHE/HER)
Architect at Signal Works
I really loved that RIMiAD was able to expand this year and reach more of the community with additional programs, like the Mentoring initiative Seeing connections being made, and the amount of people willing to volunteer their time to invest in someone else growth made me feel proud of the people who chose to participate in our organization and our willingness to help
That willingness to help is something that I see at each meetup. It takes the form in a small word of encouragement, introducing people who *need* to meet, or a connection that leads to future work. Being a resource for others is part of our core as an organization and it is great to see that present time and time again.
JULIA REINALDA (SHE/HER)
Design Director at Taste Design Inc
It has been incredible to watch the RIMiAD community grow over the past two years. I love how supportive this community is and see great connections fostered at every event It was especially exciting this year to expand our programming to include the mentorship program and the 'Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout' workshop. It's so gratifying to be a part of an organization that is so responsive to the needs of our community
KARIN HIROSE (SHE/HER)
Designer at LLB Architects
RIMIAD provides cross-pollination beyond typical professional boundaries and professional life stages, which is hard come come by. The fact that the organization is managed to be supported and to keep growing provides a positive outlook to the state and participating fields
MOISES VALCARCEL GONZALEZ (HE/HIM)
Job Captain at DBVW Architects
Seeing people return to our events whether we haven't seen them in months or since the prior, people just seem very excited to be there which is the most validating experience. The most exciting part of it all is when people take to our mission and help support, grow, offer their services to help our organization grow.
OAKGAR MAUNG (HE/HIM)
Senior Project Engineer at Gilbane Building Company
My favorite memory was being able to connect Tami and Ellis They were able to connect and lock in Woonsocket Boys and Girls Club as a place to host the ACE mentor Program in Woonsocket
PEDRO ORTIZ (HE/HIM)
Job Captain at DBVW Architects
My favorite memory about RIMiAD was the new workshop event that we hosted. The connections I've made and the interactions with new people from these events are why I volunteer and go to these events These interactions have led to new opportunities for me personally and professionally in ways that I wasn't even prepared for.
TAMI HUGHES (SHE/HER)
Associate Principal at DBVW Architects
I leave each meetup feeling energized and elated at how we come together and are forming our community. This is a safe space where we can gather and share our stories and wisdoms, support each other in our personal and professional development, and continue to form a strong and diverse community of designers
NOVEMBER 2023 MEETUP
JANUARY MEETUP
MARCH MEETUP
MAY MEETUP
CO-SPONSORED BY
Zanno Property Management is a Rhode Island-based property management company which specializes in residential rentals. We help real estate investors unlock free time and peace of mind by correctly managing their property and transforming their investments into passive income. Our purpose is to be the trusted partner that our owners and residents are proud of while simplifying the management process for all.
Zanno Property Management is proud to sponsor RIMiAD in their mission to uplift underrepresented groups in design and its allied fields As a company committed to fostering inclusive communities, we recognize the importance of mentorship and representation in shaping a more equitable industry We believe that stronger, more inclusive design leads to stronger, more vibrant communities, and we are honored to play a part in that vision.
Grounded by Integrity. Grown from Experience. A company grown from the ground up by two family friends, T and Oak. TNA offers over 14 years of combined experience in commercial and residential construction. We take pride in our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
It was a pleasure to be able to sponsor a networking event for young professionals and minorities from the design field We were also thrilled to connect them with people from the construction industry, as well as developers, and real estate professionals
We were hosted by
in Providence RI
Black Sheep is the product of a few locals, who wanted a neighborhood spot, to eat good food, listen to music & enjoy a cold beverage Black Sheep prides itself on being inclusive & welcoming to all of what Providence has to offer You'll expect to be greeted with a smile by our friendly waitstaff & very full by our healthy food portions.
Brass Monkey
owned by Joe Morales, John Lane and Oscar Worthington.
JULY MEETUP
SEPTEMBER MEETUP
SPONSORED BY
isgenuity is a design firm focused on contributing to humanity in ways that demonstrate a commitment to equity and sustainability, by creating enlightened experiences for our clients and society. Our name embodies our mission- isgenuity “is genuine ingenuity”. Our work environment champions the idea of being “genuine”. To foster ingenuity, our team is encouraged to share their unique experiences and ideas.
Our firm has always believed that a creative culture requires diversity. Our industry can only thrive by supporting individuals of all cultures and backgrounds through providing a safe, inclusive space where they can feel empowered to share and participate fully. Over the last two years, we’ve seen the positive impact RIMiAD has had on this community and have watched the number of participants grow By sponsoring RIMiAD events, our hope is that everyone, from designers to engineers to artists, will see RIMiAD as a place where they can be seen and heard We are excited to continue supporting this amazing organization and their ongoing efforts.
At our restaurant, it’s our mission to serve the freshest and most authentic Peruvian cuisine in New England We combine the freshest local ingredients and family recipes to provide you with a satisfying meal that you won’t find anywhere else!
We were hosted by Shark’s Peruvian Cuisine in Central Falls RI owned by Oscar and Carlos Valverde.
NOVEMBER MEETUP
SPONSORED BY
UNION Architecture and Community Design is a nationally practicing architecture and community design firm driven by our mission to use the power of design to enrich lives and strengthen communities. Committed to designing sustainable places that will be loved for generations, our work includes urban planning and community design, civic and institutional buildings, mixed-use developments, and housing of all types. Our expertise lies in understanding the overlapping and interwoven needs of community and client to shepherd the creation of new places that are financially and socially successful as well as beneficial to the community and the environment.
As architects, designers, and planners, we believe that through concerted effort, we can help ensure that the voices and perspectives within our profession and practice reflect the communities and people we strive to serve Supporting RIMIAD through volunteering and sponsoring events is one small way we can invest in our Rhode Island community, our profession, and the power of design to affect change.
RIMiAD was able to offer free headshots to our community during our November meetup thanks to the generous offer from Rhode Island Portraits’ owner Morayo Sayles. Since 2020, Rhode Island Portraits has been capturing bright, vibrant portraits for individuals and families in the area. Our style is all about keeping things simple and clear, allowing everyone ' s true essence to shine through. We love creating natural and lively portraits through a fun and relaxing photography experience that our clients absolutely adore
We were hosted by Paris Bistro Cafe & Lounge in Providence RI owned by Miguel Perez.
Paris was an upscale Bistro & Lounge serving Dominican Fusion foods.
FALL WORKSHOP
MANAGING STRESS AND PREVENTING BURNOUT
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
In our continued effort to build up our community, RIMiAD launched its first mentorship program in January of 2024 We were overwhelmed by the number of mentors who came forward to volunteer and give back to our community In the end, eleven mentors and mentees were paired up to embark on a journey of growth We are truly grateful for their time and commitment to our community
Meet the 2024 RIMiAD mentor cohort!
Anita Guo (She/Her)
Middletown Planning Department
Urban Planning
Bryan Michie (He/Him)
Michie Design & Build
Architecture
David Lawlor (He/Him)
Run of the Mill
Photography and Video
Bob Mohr (He/Him)
Shepley Bulfinch
Architecture
“ “
I am happy to have spoken with Bryan during the internship application season as I was trying to navigate where I might want to work after I graduate this spring. It is always nice to hear from folks working professionally in the field and to get their input on your decision-making It was clear to me that Bryan and his practice differed from my interests in the field, but that did not take away from the knowledge and guidance he was able to share with me. I think hearing an outside perspective of my portfolio and thought process was extremely helpful and reassured me during a time that felt confusing
-Sophia Francesco of mentor Bryan Michie
The best advice I received was to not make assumptions of a career path until I had tried it myself. I can read the description anytime but until I had tried it, I would not know if it is for me or not.
“ “
-Kim Hout of mentor Bob Mohr
Linda Penaloza-Resch (She/Her)
Vision 3 Architects Architecture
“She helped me work through some mental blocks and see things from a broader / different perspective and also did what she could to connect me to other people and opportunities that she thought would be relevant / beneficial.
“
-Julia Kaplin of Linda Penaloza-Resch
Jeff Galvin (He/Him) isgenuity Architecture
Devin Samuels (He/Him)
SICI, Harvard Kennedy School Education
He helped connect me to resources, step outside of my own perspective, and leverage better in negotiations.
-Jack Martinez of mentor Devin Samuels
Joanna Grocott (She/Her)
SignalWorks Architecture Architecture
Tami Hughes (She/Her)
DBVW Architects Architecture
Jon Stabach (He/Him)
VHB Civil Engineering
Xueyun Zou (She/Her)
DBVW Architects Architecture & Visualization
INTHASONE THOUNSAVATH
LANDSCAPE DESIGNER AT MATHER AND PAGE
Now, more than ever, I believe a sense of community is fundamental to a person’s growth and well being. I’ve attended plenty of networking events before in the landscape architecture field in neighboring areas that have left me wanting more despite its intended purpose of creating connections and fostering relationships. In deep contrast to that, my first event with RIMiAD felt like a breath of fresh air where people welcomed myself and other newcomers with positive, earnest attitudes that felt genuine and uplifting From my first attended event in 2023, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed advocating for the organization wherever I can Through the proactive and diverse events that RIMiAD has offered, I’ve developed friendships that I've come to deeply appreciate. These relationships have pushed me to gain a new sense of confidence in my industry by becoming part of my support system through check-ins and frequent words of encouragement - definitely leading me to feel an empowering sense of belonging in the design community.
I’ve heard this story many times before amongst my peers but similar to them, I had originally wanted to start off in architecture, discovered it wasn’t my calling and found my way to landscape architecture at URI It’s
extremely fun, collaborative and in the words of my wise younger brother, I get to “be paid to play Sims all day.” Some days it can look like that but it’s definitely more to it - we’re curating these intimate, special places for our clients to enjoy with their loved ones and live life in that've been sustainably designed with the intentions to work with the earth rather than against it. To make this a full circle moment, the Providence Pedestrian bridge has become my favorite place in RI - originally a project I had discovered in school while researching precedent work, it’s quickly become a sentimental place I like to visit during any free chance I get. In this field, you don’t know what the day will call for, so in contrast to those busy days, I like to unwind with a face mask, hair mask, tea in hand and a good K-drama
It’s been about 2 years since I attended my first RIMiAD event and it feels like a different experience every time. I’ve met so many influential people in my field by attending these events and it has had a direct positive impact on myself and my business. I love listening to stories from other business owners as well as the engineers/designers of the group They all share unique perspectives on the building industry and life, and there is always an opportunity to learn. I would love to see RIMiAD grow to one day be able to offer scholarships to minority kids and even host job fairs to get them employed after college. My motto when it comes to RIMiAD is keep consistent, you never know who you’re going to meet
I was always intrigued about the way things were put together, and at 15 I decided that I wanted to learn that with buildings; so architectural design was my way how. My inspiration comes from the joy on a person’s face when they walk into a thoughtful and aesthetically pleasing space designed by me In my downtime you can find me at a local sports bar catching a game or on the basketball court working on my jump shot. One of my favorite places in RI is Goddard Park, it helps me to maintain a healthy work-life balance; because there’s nothing like fresh air and nature I’m really excited about a few development projects I have coming up and hope to work with more developers/investors to create more housing opportunities for Rhode Islanders in the near future.
LINDELL WALTERS
FOUNDER/PRINCIPAL AT MILLENIAL INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
PROVIDENCE
At Work Collaborative
Brown University
Building Enclosure Science
Cara Pomeranz Architect
City of Providence
DBVW Architects
Design Civic
DESIGNxRI
Downtown Improvement District
Embee Studio
F I R E Tribe
Figmints
Gilbane
GZA GeoEnvironmental
half full
Inspiring Minds
Michie Design and Construction
The Mullings Group
NEMD Architects
Providence Behavioral Health
PVD Flow
RIC
RIDOT
RISD
Rowse Architects
Run of the Mill
Shawmut Design and Construction
Signal Works
Stark Architects
Stephen Turner Inc
Steven KP Studio
Stone Fleet
Tesla
The Steel Yard
Torrado Architects
Traverse Landscape Architects
TuftxPVD
UNION Architecture and Community Design
VHB
Vision 3 Architects
ZDS Architecture
WEST OF RI
AIGA
Center Design + Build
Cornell University
Freecell Architecture
Lamar Advertising
Landscape Forms
Luminii
Marvin Windows
The Garland Company
University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign
NORTH OF RI
ARC
Block Builders
Bohler
C Space
Coletta Contracting + Design Build
Communications Design Center
D21 Architects
Design Outside LLC
Designs by Des Interiors
Electrical Systems Solutions
Elligo Health Research
Existing Conditions
Exposure Lighting
Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects
Gregory Lombardi Design
Isgenuity
Maryann Thompson Architects
MDS Architects
Meander Studio
NV5
Optics 11 Life
Pella
Sasaki
Schwartz/Silver Architects
South Coast & Associates
Space2Thrive
Tetra Tech
TNA Home Renovation
UMass Dartmouth
Veitas Engineers
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Worcester Polytechnic institute
ZEN Associates
SOUTHERN RI
American Engineering
Deslandes Construction
Don Moyer Law
Millennial International
Architectural Design
NEIT
Point Associates
URI
NORTHERN RI
A Plus Finishes
ATC
Aharonian and Associates
ANG LLC
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
Branch River Plastics
Central Falls School District
Compass
Eastland Electric
Engineering Design Services
FM Global
Honeywell
Justice Assistance
LLB Architects
Mpire Inc
Piece
Prudential Advisors
Rhode Island Portraits
RI Sheet Metal
Saccoccio & Associates Architects
Shea Fashion
Traza Design
WSP
EASTERN RI
Andreozzi Architecture
David Sisson Architects
Espy Creative
Evelyn Audet Lighting Design
FGS
Finn Woodworking and Design
GioMarc Designs
Hiba Aswad
Highland Builders
Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc
NUWC
Professional Women in Building
Raytheon
RWU
South County Architecture & Design
Studio Rios Architecture LLC
Taste Design
Top Stitch Upholstery
Town of Barrington
Town of Middletown
Zanno Property Management
SPONSORS AND DONORS
EVENT SPONSORS
Aharonian & Associates
AT WORK COLLABORATIVE
DBVW Architects Exposure
Gilbane Building Company
Isgenuity
Pella Windows & Doors of Southern New England
Signal Works
Stone Fleet Structural Engineers
Taste Design Inc
TNA Home Renovations
UNION Architecture and Community Design
Vision 3 Architects
Zanno Property Management
Paul Attemann
Kara & Joe Babcock
Aaron Bishop
Yianna Buterbaugh
Ronald Caniglia
Chung Family
D F Pray General Contractors
Keara Duffy
Emi Fukuda
Maya Fukuda
Joe Haskett
Eline Hilgersom
Alyssa Hughes
DONORS
Arthur Hughes
Nathaniel Hughes
Paxton Hughes
Tami Hughes
Pieranllery Jordan
Jeremy Lake
Berit Lavender
Mari Lewis
Robert Miklos
Gladys Munoz
Pedro Ortiz
Monsurat Ottun
Michael Sawyer
Nick Scappaticci
David Sisson
Carson Smith *
Nathan Socha
Caitlyn Taylor
Traza Design
UNION Architecture and Community Design
Kyrianllery Valcarcel Gonzalez
Moises Valcarcel Gonzalez
Michael Viveiros
Jing Wu
*Recurring donor
Special thank you to our anonymous donors as well
RIMiAD.org
@RIMiAD 401
Rhode Island Minorities in Architecture & Design
RIMiAD401@gmail.com Want to volunteer for one of our committees? Let us know at RIMiAD401@gmail.com
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