EMPOWER DESIGN SYMPOSIUM

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

In her presentation, “In Progress: The People, Places, and Events of Personal Legacy Building”, Melvalean McLemore seeks to confront the instinct to shrink and not acknowledge accomplishments along the way by interrogating her own sense of not having “done enough yet.”

Melvalean’s presentation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique value we all can bring to the table. She will discuss her early years, career path, collaboration, the significance of “seeing oneself on paper”, the motivation behind pursuing awards, taking on leadership roles, seeking mentorship and mentorship opportunities, and her championing of the belief that progress, whether incremental or revolutionary, is essential. As the 16th licensed black woman architect in Texas and one of the first 500 in the country, Melvalean McLemore’s journey speaks to the power of perseverance, diversity, and the legacy-building of those who defy expectations in the field of architecture.

TOPIC 1

Michael Peterson is speaking about the path to Architecture Licensure. He will begin by discussing the history of policies that disproportionately created barricades for minorities which limited diversity in the profession. Then he will discuss recent changes by TBAE and NCARB that hope to create a more equitable path for future Architects.

TOPIC 1

Raul Baeza and Toan My Li will talk about different ways that our profession has lacked the varied perspectives necessary for cultural competency. The field of Architecture has idolized Western European culture, often to the exclusion of other cultures. Raul and My will also speak about how we can be more aware of exclusionary thinking in design work and in our practices so that we can help shape a more inclusive future.

TOPIC 1

Raul Baeza and Toan My Li will talk about different ways that our profession has lacked the varied perspectives necessary for cultural competency. The field of Architecture has idolized Western European culture, often to the exclusion of other cultures. Raul and My will also speak about how we can be more aware of exclusionary thinking in design work and in our practices so that we can help shape a more inclusive future.

TOPIC 2

Stephanie Alvarado is a Division Diversity Coordinator with the contractor, Spawglass. Stephanie will talk about her experience with the Design-build project delivery method. She will speak about how this method can help create close collaboration between the contractor, design team, and client. She will also explain how it can contribute to more diversity and shape policies that influence public funding and grants.

TOPIC 2

Seema Kairam is a Design Lead and Paola Sofia Fernandez is an Urban Planner and Community Engagement Coordinator with Able City. They are going to talk about the Reimagine Alazan Courts Master Plan project that Able City worked on with Alamo Architects and Economic Planning Systems. This project is part of an effort to redevelop the Alazan Courts, San Antonio’s largest and oldest public housing complex. They will share about their process of community engagement that was vital to understanding the complex relationships and trauma that have shaped the lives of those that live there and to build trust with them.

TOPIC 2

Seema Kairam is a Design Lead and Paola Sofia Fernandez is a Urban Planner and Community Engagement Coordinator with Able City. They are going to talk about the Reimagine Alazan Courts Master Plan project that Able City worked on with Alamo Architects and Economic Planning Systems. This project is part of an effort to redevelop the Alazan Courts, San Antonio’s largest and oldest public housing complex. They will share about their process of community engagement that was vital to understanding the complex relationships and trauma that have shaped the lives of those that live there and to build trust with them.

TOPIC 2

Siboney Diaz-Sanchez is an Architect and is the Community Engagement Administrator for the City of San Antonio’s Neighborhood and Housing Services Department. San Antonio is facing a crisis of individuals that are experiencing homelessness. Siboney will talk about the city’s policies and efforts to help with the housing including the first-ever affordable housing bond approved by voters in 2022 and the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan (SHIP).

Topic 3

Malii Watts Witten is the founding principal of EngageBetween, a consultancy that works with companies globally to help them effectively corporate and to manage the complexities and opportunities of culturally diverse environments. Malii will be facilitating an interactive workshop with the goal that attendees will gain meaningful insight into themselves and a deeper capacity to have people-centered impact.

TOPIC 3

Ramon Muñoz is an artist and the Young Artist Program Coordinator at UTSA Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) and Patricia Morales is the Director of Young Artist Programs at UTSA (PaCE). They have both been organizing the Kids Initiating Design Solutions (KIDS) elementary Architecture program for 15 years. This program is aimed at bringing art, architecture, design, and community awareness to low-income third and fifth grade students in central San Antonio. The program pairs an Artist and an Architect/Engineer with a classroom teacher to give a hands-on introduction to these fields.

TOPIC 3

Ramon Muñoz is an artist and the Young Artist Program Coordinator at UTSA Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) and Patricia Morales is the Director of Young Artist Programs at UTSA (PaCE). They have both been organizing the Kids Initiating Design Solutions (KIDS) elementary Architecture program for 15 years. This program is aimed at bringing art, architecture, design, and community awareness to low-income third and fifth grade students in central San Antonio. The program pairs an Artist and an Architect/Engineer with a classroom teacher to give a hands-on introduction to these fields.

TOPIC 3

Gabriella Bermea is a Design Architect with VLK Architects. She will speak about leading through change and community engagement. Gabe will describe a multi-step plan to build trust with community members and colleagues and to leave the profession in a better position than we found it.