SAY IT LOUD – NJ CLOSING RECEPTION
Organized by:
AIA New Jersey Equity and Women in Architecture Committees on World Architecture Day
Monday, October 06th, 2025 | 5-7pm
Colleagues gathered with students and faculty on World Architecture Day to recognize the closing of Pascale Sablan’s successful SAY IT LOUD exhibit. We also celebrated the kick-off of Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the professional contributions of Hispanic women and other underrepresented professionals in architecture. AIA New Jersey EDI and WIA sponsored this free celebration, open to all.
Four trailblazing women featured in the New Jersey SAY IT LOUD exhibit shared their histories, inspiration, mentors, motivation and more at this thought-provoking panel discussion.
Opening Remarks
Stacey Ruhle Kliesch AIA | AIANJ Equity in Architecture Committee – Chair | LinkedIn
Erin Sharp-Newton Associate AIA | AIANJ Women in Architecture Committee – Chair | LinkedIn
Presenters:
Venesa Alicea-Chuqui AIA, NOMA | Kean University | Linkedin
LoriAnne Jones AIA, NOMA | DI Groups | Linkedin
Melissa Nieves Associate AIA | Port Authority | Linkedin
Delly Yaker AIA| Delly D Yaker Interior Architecture + Design | Linkedin
Closing Remarks: Andrew Thompson, AIA, NOMAC, AIA NJ President
Event organizer Venesa Alicea-Chuqui AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Assistant Professor of Architecture at Kean University, shared the following:
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday. We know how busy and demanding this time of year can be, and your presence meant a great deal to us. It’s not always easy to carve out time for events like these, which makes your participation all the more appreciated.
It was truly inspiring to hear your stories and share in your experiences. We’re deeply grateful for the support and partnership with AIANJ Women in Architecture and the Equity Committees, and for the opportunity to collaborate with Kean University. I’m especially excited about connecting more deeply with the vibrant architecture and design community here in New Jersey.
I hope this marks the beginning of many more conversations, events, and meaningful collaborations ahead.
Have a GREAT ARCHTOBER!
With appreciation,
Venesa Alicea-Chuqui AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP
Assistant Professor of Architecture | NCARB Licensing Advisor
Equity in Action Presidential Fellow (2022-2024)
School of Public Architecture | Michael Graves College | Kean University
