(NDG Wire) The inaugural event of the newly formed Latinos in Architecture Committee, a first-of-its-kind Hispanic networking organization, kicked off with drinks, lively discussions and almost 100 people.
The Latinos in Architecture (LiA) Committee launched last month with the goal of increasing the relationships between Hispanic architects, strengthening the community and inspiring Hispanic students to consider an architecture career. A Happy Hour meet-and-greet served as the group’s initial introduction to the Dallas community, which is composed of almost 50% Hispanic residents.
“We would like to raise the level of exposure concerning architecture as a career for minorities. We want to increase the number of Hispanic role models,” said LiA Committee Co-Founder Yesenia M. Blandon, who works in Perkins+Will’s Dallas office. “We want to be able to help people who have an interest in architecture but might have limited English skills. We don’t want Hispanic people to think this door is closed to them.”
“It’s wide open, and this committee will help keep it that way,” Blandon said.
The committee’s success could help prevent projects that fall within predominately Hispanic neighborhoods from being overlooked, said Perkins+Will, Dallas Office, Principal Tom Reisenbichler.
“And when these neighborhoods miss out on projects, students miss the opportunity to witness the impact an architect can have on his or her community,” Reisenbichler said. “Maybe they even fail to realize Hispanics can be architects. As a community and an industry, we miss out on some very potentially talented future architects. One of LiA’s goal is to create a mentor program to prevent this.”
Membership in LiA is open to architects, landscape architects, interior designers, educators, students and the community at large. Blandon and fellow coworker and Co-Founder Jimmy Castellanos, began looking into the group’s formation after discovering no other inclusive organization for Hispanic architects existed in the country.
“We started with a simple Facebook page, but the response was overwhelming. It was clear we stumbled upon a dire need,” said Blandon, who is earning her architect license. “The first week, 70 people signed up. We received positive responses from all corners. It’s almost scary.”
Next on LiA’s agenda — an introductory event in September tied to Hispanic Heritage Month that will include a nationwide book drive. Dallas high schools will receive the donations. “LiA is in the planning stages to become a American Institute of Architects Dallas Chapter Committee.
For more information, visit LiA’s blog at http://LiAcommittee.blogspot.com/
