Message from the President: AIA-NJ Diversity Day

April 9, 2012

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An important message from Laurence E. Parisi, AIA President AIA NJ

AIA NJ DIVERSITY DAY

WEDNESDAY APRIL 11, 2012 NEW JERSEY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE NJIT – 6 PM THE GALLERY LOFT

Dear Colleagues:
This is the first time AIANJ, The New Jersey Society of Architects is hosting this fabulous event. We feel that this is long overdue and are hoping to host this annually. The planning has been in the works for almost a year.

The concept here is INCLUSION. Inclusion is something that we all need and have little understanding of unless you have been subject to non-inclusive situations or environment.

The welcoming of all races, creeds, gender, colors, ages, disabilities, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, into our world of design and architecture. This is a significant step forward in a business that originated mostly as a wealthy white man’s profession.

I would like to personally welcome all our AIA members, non-member architects, engineers, interior designers, contractors, venders, pretty much anyone related to the Construction Industry to come and join us for this inaugural event. Bring a coworker and introduce them to our diverse world.

The event is free of cost and you will receive 1 LCU. There will be a panel discussion with prominent figures in the world of minority spokespeople and light refreshments and libations will be served. I look forward to seeing you there. Attached is the announcement for this event with all the pertinent details. Kindly email llee@njpsi.com if you plan on attending. Come and show your true colors!

Diversity Strategies and Leveraging an Untapped Market

Please join us for an exciting panel discussion at Diversity Day on April 11th at NJIT.

Women & Minorities
This is a real important event for you to attend and voice your opinion. We need your participation to the future Diversity of our profession.

Women- Opportunity to meet Carol JW Kurth, FAIA a 2011 Diversity honoree and learn how she encouraged young women through her teaching, mentoring and practice. Also meet Nancy Goshow, AIA who chairs the Women in Architecture program in NYC.

Minorities- Opportunity to meet, network & join with local minority organizations. Learn how being part of their organization will support your career goals.

Principals- In order for our industry to grow we need to foster Diversity and Inclusion. Our demographics are quickly changing and without an effort towards diversity we will face a talent shortage. Come learn how others are embracing diversity for advancing business goals.

Invited Guests:

Joyce Raspa, AIA, Esq- AIA National Regional Diversity Chair
Carol J.W. Kurth, FAIA, LEED AP- Fostering Diversity through Teaching, Mentoring and Practice- 2011 AIA Diversity Honoree
William Brown III, AIA- (NOMA)National Organization of Minority Architects, President Ravi Shenoy, PE- (SIAEA) Society of Indo American Engineers & Architects, Past President
Nancy Goshow, AIA LEED AP BD +C- Chair of Women in Architecture, NYC
Manuel J. Pereiras- Society of Cuban American Architects and Engineers, Vice President Vicky Tran- NJIT- AIAS President
Jane Gaertner- NJIT- Career Services
Sherry Snipes, AIA- AIA National- Director Diversity and Inclusion

Who: Open to all AIA members, their employees & all Students