The Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Knowledge Community promotes the chapter’s position on equity and human rights.
JUSTICE is acknowledging and denouncing racism and sexism, removing barriers to opportunities, and promoting the success of all individuals in the profession;
EQUITY is providing balanced resources and opportunities to ensure every practitioner can reach an equal outcome;
DIVERSITY is encompassing an array of practitioners who represent varied experiences and perspectives;
INCLUSION is fostering a sense of belonging for all voices and perspectives to feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued to fully participate.
2021 Co-Chairs:
Marissa Mead, AIA, NOMA Svigals + Partners
Dominique Moore, Associate AIA, NOMA, Perkins Eastman
2021 Committee Members:
Thomas Barker, Assoc. AIA Amenta Emma Architects
Sara C. Bronin, AIA
Julia Jack, AIA City of Hartford, Department of Public Works
Emily Ky, AIA SLAM Collaborative
Ming Thompson, AIA Atelier Cho Thompson
Omarys Vasquez, AIA, NCARB, LEED+ AP, NOMA Svigals + Partners
Susan Wyeth, AIA, NOMA Centerbrook Architects + Planners
2021 Ex-Officio:
Angela Cahill, AIA, NOMA AIA CT President
Gina Calabro, Hon. AIACT, NOMA Executive Director
Staff Coordinator:
Joel Whitten
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the AEC Industry
July 15, 2020
Click here to view the panel discussion.
Addressing Bias & Equity in the AEC Industry
August 19, 2020
Click here to view the panel discussion.
Voices and Perspectives From Educators and Students about Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the AEC Industry
September 16, 2020
Click here to view the panel discussion.
Aligning J.E.D.I. and the Diversity Challenge
December 2, 2020
Click here to view the panel discussion.
Career Pipeline: Connecting Students, Universities, and Architecture Firms
March 3, 2021
Click here to view the panel discussion.
Understanding Housing Inequity in Connecticut
May 5, 2021
Click here to view the panel discussion.
Reflections from Karen Patriquin, AIA & Jennifer Shea, AIA from Patriquin Architects; Melinda Agron, Assoc. AIA, Newman Architects; Jaynab Rose, Perkins Eastman Architects; Maria Loitz, President CT ACE Mentor Program; Omarys Vasquez, AIA, Svigals+Partners.
The AIA Connecticut J.E.D.I. Challenge is designed to inspire and incentivize AIA Connecticut member firms to increase gender and racial diversity both in their firms and in the overall profession.
The Challenge is open to firms of all sizes and locations within the State of Connecticut. The Challenge is optional and was envisioned to assist in the work of undoing the preconception and reality of the lack of diversity systemic in the architectural profession, and to help AIA Connecticut member firms by offering a roadmap to actively produce results, both short term and long term.
Download the PDF to Pledge Now! The sooner you make the pledge the sooner we can all make a difference!
Join the firms who have already pledged:
AIA Connecticut’s J.E.D.I. Knowledge Community has launched a new video series: ArchiTalks - Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Conversations.
This series features 3-5 minute video messages from AIA Connecticut members and others in the AEC community. Every other Saturday morning, a new ArchiTalk will be available to hear narratives and anecdotes about adversity, challenges, experiences, and more. Gain a new perspective, share to influence change, or simply listen in on someone’s original experience by watching an ArchiTalk video.
In the first video of AIA Connecticut's new ArchiTalks: Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Conversations video series, Angela Cahill, AIA talks about why architects need to involve themselves in conversations about change and how they can take action.
Paolo Campos, AIA discusses why he chose architecture as a career, how we can elevate and listen to the voices of those around us, and his involvement in cofounding NOMAct.
Dominique Moore, Assoc. AIA discusses the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC industry; why representation matters; and her call to action to create more diversity in architecture.
Alina Rodescu-Pitchon discusses what equality looked like living in different countries, her experience as one of the first women to major in architecture at Barnard, and why females make great architects.
Julia Jack, AIA talks about her experience going for licensure at 52 years old, why our differences are a gift, and why being uncomfortable is necessary.
Omarys Vasquez, AIA introduces NOMAct and discusses how you can get involved!
