The Equity Commitee invites you to join Jessica Bantom, DEIB practitioner and author of Design for Identity, as she moderates a discussion with Baltimore architects on their career paths and structural barriers in pursuing careers in architecture.

Jessica Bantom is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging practitioner, interior design consultant, and speaker whose mission is to help designers increase their cultural competence so they can create in ways that honor humanity. Serving in the role of Global Leader of Equity, Diversity, and Belonging for DLR Group, Bantom is active in the design industry as an engaged advocate committed to promoting DEIB in the industry and in practice. A graduate of the University of Virginia and Marymount University, Bantom is a skilled management consultant with over 20 years of experience, a compelling speaker, and a certified facilitator and coach with a passion for enabling individuals to take actions that create meaningful outcomes for historically excluded people. You can learn more about Jessica and her book, Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World, at JessicaBantom.com.

WHEN?
November 14, 2024
5:30 – 7:00 PM
The Center for Architecture & Design
100 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD, 21201
AIA 1.0 LU

REGISTER HERE

Panelists

Calvin McCargo Jr. AIA, NOMA, NCARB

Calvin McCargo, Jr., is principal at DesignHAND Architects. He has a Master’s of Architecture degree from Morgan State University and over 19 years of experience in the architectural field. Mr. McCargo  has a love and passion for architecture and people. His personal goal is to help create an accessible practice that can become a household name, known for excellent and inspiring architecture that is focused on community empowerment.

Nakita Reed, AIA, CPHC, LEED AP BD+C, NOMA

Nakita Reed is a Senior Associate at Quinn Evans and an award-winning architect with experience in the rehabilitation and sustainable reuse of historic buildings.  She is a licensed architect, a LEED®-Accredited Professional, and a certified Passive House Consultant.  She serves on the board of the Baltimore Architecture Foundation, is a co-chair of the Zero Net Carbon Collaboration for Existing and Heritage Buildings (ZNCC) and is host of the Tangible Remnants podcast – a podcast for lovers of existing buildings that explores the intersection of architecture, preservation, sustainability, race & gender.

Jordan Rhodes, NOMA, AIA

Jordan A. Rhodes (she/her) is a versatile professional with a background in both interior design and architecture, bringing 8 years of industry experience to her work. As an Associate and Project Architect at Ayers Saint Gross, she collaborates with mission-driven clients, particularly universities and cultural institutions, to create inspiring and functional spaces. Jordan has also served as the Professional Development Chair for the Baltimore chapter of NOMA since 2020. Jordan has a deep interest in understanding the factors that contribute to the drop-off of people of color during the path to licensure and from emerging professional to senior firm leadership. She is committed to advocating for policies that enhance belonging and retention, particularly for underrepresented minorities in the industry.

Kathleen Sherrill, AIA, NOMA, NCARB, LEED AP

Kathleen Starghill Sherrill was born and raised in Baltimore City. She is a graduate of Northwestern HS and earned a B.S. in Geography with certificates in Planning and Cartography from Towson University, in 1997, she completed a Master’s in Architecture from Morgan State University.

In 2005, Kathleen established her own firm by purchasing YCA, as a general practice in partnership with Mahendra Parekh, AIA, a former professor and mentor.  With Mr. Parekh’s retirement in 2008, she has led the firm as Principal and lead designer.

As a long time member of AIA, Mrs. Sherrill has served in many roles including President of the Baltimore Chapter Board in 2012 and President of the Maryland State Chapter in 2016. In 2017, Kathleen was approached by several young architects to help with the establishment of a local chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects. She immediately accepted and served as its first president.

Learning objectives (1LU):

• Describe structural barriers minority architects face in pursuing careers in architecture.
• Describe inclusive strategies to support and mentor individuals throughout an organization.
• Describe the complexities of social identities and biases.
• Describe how relevant theories (intersectional identities, power dynamics, implicit biases) can be used to build inclusive cultures within architectural firms.