With our initiatives of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, AIACV wanted to get to know Gennifer a little more and wanted to ask her some questions to get to know her a little better and get her thoughts on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

What inspired you to go into the profession?

I was surrounded by building and making as a child which led me to pursue CAD classes in high school. My first internship in architecture was with a very diverse firm of individuals from around the world. They were all very kind, supportive and compelled to share their experiences and  generous mentorship. I felt uplifted and inspired by the experience! I was fascinated by the design possibilities when a group of people with incredibly different backgrounds come together to find an architectural solution.

What identities do you hold that are important to you?

Woman
Mexican American
Firm Owner
Educator
Architect

How would you describe an ally?  And what can you do as an ally?

One of my favorite quotes on this subject is from Toni Morrison “When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.” It’s a good reminder that as architects our work goes beyond the drawings, meetings and emails. 

Being an ally starts with empathy and compassion… an ability to look outside our own experiences. An ally is someone who listens and looks for opportunities to uplift others… someone who stands up against and works to break down systems of injustice. Education is a priority for an ally, as they learn about issues of equity that go beyond their personal understanding of the world. An ally seeks to dismantle systems of oppression in an effort to empower others.

Why does representation matter for you?

The best designs specifically address their context, especially the people involved. Architecture has the power to positively impact important issues of equity when it comes to the built environment – housing, health care, infrastructure, access to food, and social justice to name a few. If we start with a pool of designers that is diverse, we have a higher chance of seeing all perspectives and answers to a question instead of just one of or two. 

If we move toward more inclusive leadership and mentorship in architecture, it will uplift the future of our profession. We must be persistent in our work creating avenues for a more equitable, diverse and inclusive practice for coming generations.

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About the #I Am Campaign

To continue with the goals of creating a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive Chapter, the AIACV started an empowering campaign focused on the narratives of people in our profession: #I Am.  Visibility and representation are important and the AIACV wants to acknowledge that.  Each individual holds different identities that aren’t seen or celebrated in society.  Diversity is an action where we all have a part in creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and included.  In this #I Am campaign, we asked our participants to share their stories and get their thoughts on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the profession of architecture.  If you are interested in sharing your story and thoughts on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, feel free to contact us at [email protected].