June 2021
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J.E.D.I.
HP’s new J.E.D.I. section is designed to highlight the people, companies and organizations that are implementing principles to further justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in their workplaces and communities.
Reimagining Architecture with BosNOMA
by Ali Horwitz The Boston Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (BosNOMA) holds a critical responsibility in Boston’s larger building and design community to foster the advancement of equitable practice and minority leadership. In 2020, a year many will view as one of fear and regression, BosNOMA focused its attention on creating a safe and supportive space for minority students and professionals in the design industry to work together toward a better future. Under the collaborative leadership of the executive board (Ali Horwitz, president; Gerard Georges, co-chair; Rima Abousleiman, treasurer; Elyse Ayoung, parliamentarian; Julian Phillips, secretary; Ryan Horton, brand ambassador; and Edward “Tony” Ransom, immediate past president, now NE region vice president),
BosNOMA expanded membership fourfold and continues to grow. Through a year of challenges and uncertainty, BosNOMA has worked to reimagine the future of architecture by questioning our assumptions and expanding our perspectives. What does it mean to be an architect? Who can be an architect, and why? How can architects and other design professionals impact policies and alter practices to affect change? How can we imagine a just future without understanding our history? Through a series of brave conversations inspired by NOMA National’s B.R.A.V.E. statement on racial justice, guest presentations, workshops, and podcasts, our membership has critically examined new ways of thinking about our industry and inspired leaders to act. Looking to the second half of 2021, BosNOMA will be aiming to inspire and empower the next generation of architects and designers of color. From August 1921, BosNOMA will host its first Project Pipeline virtual camp in collaboration with PhilaNOMA, NYCOBA NOMA, and NJNOMA. Over three days of virtual activities, architecture and design profession-
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BosNOMA executive board
als and NOMAS (NOMA student chapter) members will guide students through their own design projects, set in the context of the city around them. The camp is open to minority youth ages 11-15 in the Boston area and will include a day of collaboration with young designers from Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey. Registration is now open and the
deadline to apply is June 16. The program fee is $25 per student and needbased scholarships are available. The application link and further information about the program, including sponsorship opportunities, can be found at https:// www.bosnoma.org/project-pipeline. Ali Horwitz is the 2021 BosNOMA president.
Foundation Receives Endowment Washington – The Sherwin-Williams Company has made a permanent endowment to the Architects Foundation to support a diversity advancement scholarship. Through its $150,000 gift, the company will support a minority architecture student’s career path with $20,000, to be distributed evenly over the course of up to five years. “At Sherwin-Williams, we are committed to advancing a culture of inclusion and equity, where our differences are welcomed, celebrated and appreciated,” said Yentil Rawlinson, vice president of inclusion, diversity and equity at Sherwin-Williams. “This endowment reflects
our pledge to support the advancement of underrepresented students in their educational journey and our continued focus and commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity in our workforce, workplace and communities we serve.” “Sherwin-Williams’ commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and philanthropy in the architecture profession is an inspiration, especially for building product manufacturers across the country,” said R. Steven Lewis, FAIA, Architects Foundation president. The Architects Foundation annually runs an application process for diversity advancement scholars.
Save the date for this in-person event! Equity and Diversity in the Workplace SymposiumNOMAct Charter Celebration
June 23, 2021 All day event starting at 10AM at the Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield, CT www.rhinopr.com PR
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CONTENT MARKETING
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C R I S I S C O M M U N I C AT I O N S
Visit https://aiact.org/events/ This event is in collaboration with:
