DE&I Committee: “Latinas in Architecture” Round-Table Event

Last night, September 26^th, Epstein’s DE&I Committee hosted an in-person round-table discussion on the recently published book, “Latinas in Architecture,” an anthology of stories showcasing compelling the highs and lows, and sometimes shocking, life stories of multicultural Latina women in the field of architecture.

Participating in the event, which was held at Epstein’s Chicago HQ at 600 West Fulton Street, was; Alicia Ponce, the founder and principal of APMonarch, a Chicago-based architectural firm as well as the founder of Arquitina.org, a first of its kind leadership and licensure initiative whose mission is to raise the number of license Latina architects in the US from the current 1.7%; Yanet Garcia, vice present of construction at Related Midwest, who is responsible for delivering a wide variety of commercial real estate projects; and Claudette Soto, founder of baso, Ltd., an owner’s representative firm empowering project owners and their communities.

Attendees of the event were treated to a number of inspiring personal stories from these three women including insights on their motivation to become architects, the obstacles they overcame to become leaders in the field, as well as their hopes for the next generation of Latina Architects.

If interested in learning more about the “Latinas in Architecture” book as well as to purchase a copy please visit https://www.arquitina.org/our-book

Lastly, special thanks go out to Epstein’s Ryan Leodoro for organizing the event on behalf of the DE&I Committee.