November 16, 2022

The AIA New Jersey Equity in Architecture Committee Hosts A Successful Workshop

On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, the AIA New Jersey Equity in Architecture Committee hosted a workshop open to all regional architects. The event was held at the beautiful Sub-Zero, Wolf Cove Showroom in Pine Brook, NJ, thanks to our partnership with Kimberly Little, Trade Representative for Sub-Zero Trade East.  Equity in Architecture Committee Chair Stacey Ruhle Kliesch organized the evening. 

The event included a showroom tour, dinner prepared live in their Kitchen Theater by Sub-Zero Corporate Chef, Ann Marie Soohoo, an educational seminar on Healthy, Sustainable, Connected Kitchens of the Future, and an introduction to Renovation Angel, a luxury kitchen recycler. 

Next, the committee started facilitating discussions on four of the 12 guides to Equitable Practice. Committee member Cheryl Fothergill presented Intercultural Competence. Andrew Thompson shared insights on Mentorship and Sponsorship. Erin Sharp Newton covered Workplace Culture and Angelica Arent took Advancing Careers. Each champion provided a summary of the topic and then opened the floor for all of the attendees to share their experiences and goals for more equitable practice in that category. The discussion was robust and varied, presenting perspectives from mentors, new licensees, firm owners, and ARE Candidates. 

While the segments were timed, the conversation was so valuable, that the workshop ran over time before Luly Melarti and Stacey Ruhle Kliesch presented Engaging with Community and Recruiting and Retention. Future sessions, live and virtual, are currently being planned to continue the progress in building equitable practice in the architectural profession. 

By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in EquityInArchitecture, Uncategorized | | Comments (0)