‘WE’ in Architecture: Our Mission

What was once Women In Architecture, a Knowledge Community known colloquially as WIA (pronounced We-A) is now WE-in-Architecture (WE-A)! In the spirit of inclusivity and diversity, AIA San Diego’s Women In Architecture invites all to join us in our mission to diversify the profession - an effort that requires all hands…and voices and faces at the table!

WIA has always been dedicated to empowering, cultivating, and celebrating the contributions of women and minorities in the design community; WE-A aims to bring more leaders to the table to make measurable progress towards representation in the profession.

We Advocate: Elevate, encourage and exemplify cultural shifts towards balance and diversity.

We Empower: Improve knowledge and expertise through events focused on areas such as leadership, diversity and professional development.

We Mentor: Engage, inspire and support local architectural professionals and the emerging architects of tomorrow.

Leadership

WE-A Chair
Lina Asad, AIA | Associate, Senior Project Designer at Steinberg Hart

WE-A Vice - Chairs

Kristen Tuerk, AIA, DBIA | Senior Design Manager at Balfour Beatty

Bryan Jimenez, PE | Higher Education Practice Director | Associate at Henderson Engineers

Equity Diversity & Inclusion Directors
Barbara Leon, AIA; Dina Gonzalez, AIA

Goals

Advocate: Provide a platform for open conversations about awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion and hear stories from individuals within the design community.

Empowerment: Provide resources and coordinate an event(s) for developing professional skills and knowledge such as salary negotiation, leadership development and more.

Mentorship: Provide more opportunities for mentorship at emerging and continuing professional levels. Create a database of mentors and mentees to help with pairing/networking.

Join Us!

Currently, WE-A meets every other month on Tuesdays at 4:30pm, with a mix of virtual meetings and in- person networking opportunities. Interested in learning more? Fill out the form below so we can get to know you better. All are welcome! Our WE-A leaders will be in touch.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Job Title

Affiliated firm/ organization/ school

Any other questions?

Articles, Announcements & Events

Featured

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WE-A Virtual Seminar: Designing a Harmonious Workplace

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Learn all about Designing a Harmonious Workplace with WE-A and Diana Dix from our partner Cavignac.

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Introducing our 2024 WE-A Chair

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2023 WE-A Committee Leadership

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WIA has always been dedicated to empowering, cultivating, and celebrating the contributions of ALL in the design community. This years leadership represents new perspectives, in hopes of elevating issues that affect the AEC profession. Read more about each committee leader below!

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2023 Laura Shinn Diversity In Architecture Scholarship Recipient

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Meet emerging professional Martha Mijangos, recipient of the 2023 Laura Shinn Diversity Scholarship!

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2022 Laura Shinn Diversity Scholarship Recipient

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Meet emerging professional Samantha Marquez, winner of the 2022 Laura Shinn Diversity Scholarship! In this past year, our scholarship winner has been busy finishing her final year of architectural school at Woodbury University, working and serving as mentor to future emerging professionals. Read about her presentation to our local high school here

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Latinx Leaders

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As Latinx Heritage Month comes to an end, we are highlighting three local architects that have made their mark in our region.

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Guides for Equitable Practice

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The Guides for Equitable Practice are a vital part of AIA’s long-term commitment to lead efforts that ensure the profession of architecture is as diverse as the nation we serve.

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