Rachel Bascombe, AIA, is a Los Angeles-based architect who has worked in all phases of design and construction for projects in the Southern California region. Her diverse set of skills gained from years working at a mid-sized, award-winning architecture firm makes her a sought after collaborator and public speaker. As an active member of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), she leads programming for developing professionals and passionately mentors the next generation of architects through NOMA's wildly popular summer program. As a SEED (Social Economic Environmental Design) professional, Rachel aims to design equitable and inclusive projects by engaging stakeholders and allowing communities to make the decisions. Rachel is a visual storyteller who uses multiple media, including architecture, graphic design, and paint to shine a light on Black architects, past, present and future. She advocates for a more diverse design profession by using her social media platform and artistic talent to tell the stories of her role models, such as Paul Williams. Rachel is accredited in Sustainable Design and received a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture degree followed by a Bachelor of Architecture degree from North Carolina State University.

Barbara Bouza is president of Walt Disney Imagineering, where she heads the global creative, design and development teams behind Disney’s theme parks, attractions, resort hotels, cruise ships, and retail, dining and entertainment centers. She also leads a multidisciplinary team tasked with exploring, developing and bringing to market groundbreaking ideas that enhance and expand Disney’s portfolio of experiences around the world. Barbara previously served as co-managing director, principal, of Gensler Los Angeles. A fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), she was the 2019 AIA Los Angeles president, and also served on the board of the Southern California chapter of the International Interior Design Association. Barbara is on the board of directors of Imagine LA, a leading not-for-profit dedicated to mobilizing the community to end the cycle of family homelessness and poverty, and is a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects and the Women Presidents’ Organization. Additionally, she works with nonprofit organizations such as Girls Inc. and Dress for Success. Barbara holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and studied in the Graduate Diploma Program at the Architectural Association in London.

Leona Hu Hudelson leads a team of Product and Design leaders at the Netflix Studio Innovation team – a technology team that powers Netflix’s multi-billion dollar investments into its expansive and diverse content offerings globally. Leona is also a serial entrepreneur and angel investor in both the tech startup and creative communities. She co-founded Architechie - a fast growing community of technologists and entrepreneurs with architecture backgrounds who are reshaping the tech and AEC industry.

Has been a creative agent of change for more than 15 years, with a mission to help women in the design and tech industry move their careers forward and build confidence. Following degrees and work in landscape architecture and urban studies, she founded Build Yourself, a career coaching and training company to help women in creative fields move past the obstacles that hold them back in their careers, and to make those workplaces better places for women’s talent. She has taught at the Boston Society of Architects, AIA New York, the women’s divisions of the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Landscape Architects and Women in Innovation.

Andrea Swiatocha, AIA, LEED AP is the Deputy Chief of Facilities for DC Public Schools (DCPS). Andrea leads the six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), the school modernization and small capital program, and facility management in collaboration with the Department of General Services (DGS). This critical work ensures that DCPS facilities are meeting the overall DCPS Vision of ensuring every student feels, loved challenged and prepared. Part of her role includes leading the program development, educational specifications, community engagement and design approval of the building to ensure DCPS is a leader in design and construction for 21st century learning. Andrea is an advocate for design excellence in student learning environments. She is committed to pushing the boundaries when it comes to improving human health through the design of the built environment.