Networking, Learning, and Inspiration: An EP’s Highlights from AIA24

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[["images-card",{"images":[{"url":"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/dpcbzfiye\/image\/upload\/v1719934495\/fwqxucoygojwolf09qdd.jpg","id":"6768303"},{"url":"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/dpcbzfiye\/image\/upload\/v1719934495\/czocicfg8auxfegp4pho.jpg","id":"6768302"}]}]],"markups":[["em"],["a",["href","https:\/\/architectsfoundation.org\/our-programs\/architecture-scholarships\/"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/kimberlydowdell.com\/"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=A1zC15R7_Zw"]]],"sections":[[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"AIA Toledo associate member and 2023 Emerging Professional\nof the Year, Isabel Souza, shares her experience attending the AIA Conference\non Architecture and Design in Washington, D.C."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The AIA Conference on Architecture and Design exceeded all\nmy expectations! Since I was a student, I have been eager to attend this\nconference. My involvement with AIA and organizations like Arquitina only\nintensified this desire. Inspired by the stories and photos of my peers from\nprevious years, I was determined to attend this year. In March, I discovered\nthe "],[0,[1],1,"AIA24\nEmerging Professionals Grant"],[0,[],0," offered by AIA National and the Architects\nFoundation. This grant provided emerging professionals access to the annual\nconference, career resources, and networking opportunities. I applied\nimmediately and was thrilled to be selected as one of 10 Emerging Professionals\nfrom across the country."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Before going to DC, I was advised to prepare and prioritize,\nbut my ambition led me to sign up for more than I could attend. They were\nright\u2014AIA 24 featured over 485 sessions in 4 days. I managed to attend 12\nseminars, 3 keynotes, 4 receptions\/parties, 3 mixers for emerging professionals\norganized by the Architects Foundation, 1 tour of the National Building Museum\nwith Amber Book\u0027s creator Michael Ermann, and spent at least 3 hours exploring\nthe expo floor that this year featured over 500 brands."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"This was a fantastic opportunity to learn from top\nprofessionals from and beyond our industry, connect with AIA members and\nleaders, emerging professionals, young architects, and build lasting\nrelationships and connections. I left DC feeling inspired, uplifted, and eager\nto make a positive impact in our profession and our community. My first AIA\nConference was unforgettable, and now I wish to attend the conference every\nyear. I encourage my fellow AIA Toledo Associate Members and Emerging\nProfessionals to attend\u2014it\u0027s an invaluable experience. I\u0027m grateful to work at\na firm that supports professional development and assisted in my attendance."]]],[1,"p",[]],[10,0],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Lastly, I was hoping to meet AIA 2024 President "],[0,[2],1,"Kimberly Dowdell"],[0,[],0,", whose work I\u0027ve\nadmired for years. Though I didn\u0027t have the opportunity to do so during the\nconference, we ended up on the same flight back to Detroit. I not only got my\nphoto but also had a chance to chat with her for a while - inspiring\nconversation."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"I\u0027ll conclude with a quote from Kimberly\u0027s "],[0,[3],1,"speech at the conference"],[0,[],0,"\nthat resonated with me: \u0022We need more courage to advocate for our planet\nand ourselves; to embrace diversity and to cultivate the next generation of\narchitects.\u0022"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0," #SeeYouInBostonAIA25"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Isabel Souza, Associate AIA, FITWEL AMB. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Senior Project Designer @ PMBA"]]]]}