On October 5, 2026, World Architecture Day, over 50 people gathered at Kean University’s Michael Graves College for Cafecito + Connections.
Venesa, Annya, Rose and Erny
Event Co-Chairs Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, and Venesa Alicea-Chuqui, AIA, who also moderated the program, welcomed presenters Annya Ramirez-Jimenez, AIA, partner at Marvel Architects; Rose Mary Florian Rodriguez, principal of Seen Space Studios; and Erny Salazar, Associate AIA, Kean M Arch Alumnus and Architectural Designer at LAN Associates, to share their foundation stories, projects, and design priorities with students, faculty, and practitioners.
Annya Ramirez-Jimenez, AIA, Partner, Marvel Architects
Annya is a passionate advocate for equity and focuses on building spaces and cities that serve all citizens. She leads both civic and affordable housing projects and oversees architecture collaborations among all Marvel offices. Current projects include the new development of Rockaway Village, re-envisioning of the Bronx Museum of the Arts, and a renovation of the historic Orchard Beach Pavilion. Annya received a Bachelor of Architecture in Environmental Design from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master of Architecture from Columbia University. She is an active leader in the community, serving on boards of The Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation, The Sato Project, The Clemente Center, and the Fellowship (FAIA). She is also part of the founding committee of Latinos in Design.
Rose Mary Floriรกn Rodrรญguez, Seen Space Studios
Rose Mary Floriรกn Rodrรญguez is a Black Puerto Rican architect and artist whose work explores the intersections of race, colonialism, and feminism through radical world-building and decolonial practices. She believes design can disrupt hierarchies and provide space for those who are misrepresented. Rose has a masterโs degree in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a masterโs degree in urban design from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Her current research, Unearthed Structures, examines the overlooked building practices of enslaved African technologists in the Caribbean. Through video, performance, and sculpture, Floriรกn reimagines identity as fluid and expansive, deconstructing imposed narratives of self.
Erny Salazar, Associate AIA, Kean M. Arch Alumnus, Architectural Designer, LAN Associates
Erny Salazar is a Costa Rican-American architectural designer at LAN Associates, a multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm. He holds a Master of Architecture from Kean Universityโs Michael Graves College, where his thesis explored Costa Rican heritage and community-focused design. Rooted in his culture and commitment to service, his experience spans Kโ12 and higher education facilities, nursing labs, civic buildings, affordable and multifamily housing, senior living, and high-end residences.
Annya gave a glimpse into some of her recent projects, gave background on her college years, and also shared the benefits of her Latina culture on her practice.
Rose told us about the grant she was awarded to bring practitioners to her country to study the origins of architecture and construction in her culture.
Erny reflected on how his Latino identity and Costa Rican roots shape his commitment to community, emphasizing how shared language builds trust and helps people feel heard and represented. Through his portfolio, he explored architectureโs role in responding to local needs: connecting communities through housing and shared spaces in Recife, Brazil; addressing housing insecurity through adaptable, community-informed design in La Carpio, Costa Rica, where his family still resides; and supporting unhoused residents, particularly displaced veterans, through spaces for art and creative expression in West New York, New Jersey. Each proposal underscored the importance of understanding peopleโs experiences while preserving cultural identity and strengthening belonging.
Now an Architectural Designer at LAN Associates, Erny carries this perspective into his work on Kโ12, social housing, and affordable housing projects. Speaking as an alumnus, he encouraged students to become involved in their communities and seek professional experience early to discover their interests and the needs they hope to address. He emphasized staying connected to oneโs roots and allowing those connections to guide meaningful work in service of others.
Thank you to our presenters, to Venessa for putting this excellent panel together, to Stacey for conceiving this event, to AIA N&S LiA for the support, and to all the attendees!
AIA New Jersey Equity in Architecture Committee
According to Chair Stacey Ruhle KLiesch, AIA, CID, LEED AP, the AIA NJ Equity in Architecture Committee (EDI) is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect within the architectural community. Our mission is to promote equity and diversity in all aspects of the profession, encouraging practices that enable all voices to be heard and valued. By advocating for inclusive practices and addressing systemic barriers, the EDI Committee aims to create a more equitable future for architects, designers, and communities. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment not only enhances creativity and innovation but also strengthens the impact of architecture on society.
To learn more and join the AIA NJ Equity in Architecture Committee, cilck HERE.
AIA Newark & Suburban Latinos in Architecture (LiA)
The chairs of LiA attended to support the event and welcome attendees to join. Co-Chair Elizabeth Pacheco, AIA, invited the audience to their upcoming Happy Hour at Newark Local Beer on October 9th. She also introduced the mentorship program offered by Arquitina.
Cafecito and Pastelitos!
AIA New Jersey provided soft drinks and a Cuban Coffee Break from Cortaditos.
