Building a Thriving Career: Support and Strategies from the Immigrant Architects Coalition

AIAU25-IAC01

Included in subscription

1.0 LU

Live course date: 07/10/2025 | 01:00 PM

$30

Architect$30

Member Price

$45

Non-member Price

Description

Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 1:00-2:00pm EST

This program will feature a panel discussion with authors of Prospering in the US - A Handbook for Immigrant Architects, a comprehensive guide published by the Immigrant Architect Coalition in 2024. This session will offer invaluable insights into navigating the architectural profession in the United States for immigrant architects. Panelists, who are themselves successful immigrant architects and designers, will share their experiences and practical advice on topics ranging from cultural acclimation to career development. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn directly from the contributors of this essential resource, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities unique to immigrant architects seeking to build thriving and inclusive careers in the US. This program builds upon the mission of the Immigrant Architects Coalition to support their fellow immigrant architects through shared knowledge and mentorship.

Learning Objectives

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Identify key insights and practical advice shared by the panel of authors from Prospering In The U.S. - A Handbook for Immigrant Architects.

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Discuss common challenges faced by immigrant architects in the U.S. and strategies for overcoming them, as highlighted by the panelists.

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Recognize resources and pathways to career development and professional growth for immigrant architects in the United States, based on the authors' experiences and the handbook's content.

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Understand the mission and efforts of the Immigrant Architects Coalition in supporting immigrant architects in achieving successful careers in the US.

Instructors

Graciela Carrillo

FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C

Graciela Carrillo, FAIA, works as a Senior Manager at Nassau BOCES Facilities Services, coordinating the school’s capital and operational projects serving Nassau County school districts.

She has served at AIA at the local, state, and national levels, having served as the 2024 Moderator of the AIA Strategic Council, 2017-2018 Young Architects Forum New York State Director, 2020-2021 President of AIA Long Island, and Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the AIA Long Island Women in Architecture Committee. Currently, Graciela is serving as the AIA 2025-2027 At Large Director.

Graciela is also a Co-Founder of the Immigrant Architects Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting immigrant architects in advancing their careers. As a national speaker and podcast host, she has co-authored two books "City Shapers: Stories of Immigrant Designers” and “Prospering in the U.S.: A Handbook for Immigrant Architects” and contributed to “Latinas in Architecture”.

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Gloria Kloter

AIA, NCARB, CODIA

Gloria Kloter, AIA, NCARB, CODIA, is an award-winning architect, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. Founder and CEO of Glow Architects, she has practiced architecture in both the Dominican Republic and the U.S. since 2004. Gloria advocates for immigrant architects, women in architecture, and working mothers.

She authored The Architecture of Motherhood and co-authored City Shapers and Prospering in the US, supporting immigrant professionals in the profession.

Gloria serves as Director of Programs and Podcast Co-Host for the Immigrant Architects Coalition and is an 2025–2027 At-Large Representative to the AIA National Strategic Council. She also serves as Florida’s Architect Licensing Advisor through AIA Florida.

She founded the Foreign Architects community and led key committees for AIA Tampa Bay. Her honors include the 2025 AIA National Young Architect Award and the 2020 AIA Tampa Bay Kelley Emerging Professional Award. Her work has been featured by Architizer, NCARB, EntreArchitect, and more.

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Yu-Ngok Lo

FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Yu-Ngok Lo, FAIA, is the founding principal of YNL Architects, Inc. and a cofounder of the Immigrant Architects Coalition. His work received numerous design awards including the AIA California Urban Design Award, NAHB Best of American Living Award, and various AIA chapter awards. His work has been published at various media outlets such as ArchDaily, Hinge Magazine, CONDE, CommArch Magazine, and Hospitality-Interiors Magazine.

An accomplished professional, Yu-Ngok has been honored with several accolades, including the AIA Louis Blanchard Bethune Fellowship, AIA Presidential Citation, AIA National Young Architects Award, NAHB Young Professional Award, BIA San Diego County RISE Forty and Under, BD+C 40 Under 40, and ENR 20 Under 40. He is also the recipient of the AIACC Young Architect Award and the AIBD Designer of the Year Award. In recognition of his significant contributions to the field, Yu-Ngok was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2020.

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Oyuki Sulu

Assoc. AIA

Originally from Mérida, Mexico, Oyuki Sulu moved to Pittsburgh in 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán and is a licensed architect in Mexico, currently pursuing licensure in Pennsylvania. She also holds a certificate in Green and Sustainable Building Design, with a strong focus on sustainability and commercial design.

From 2021 to 2023, she served as the AIA Pennsylvania State Associate Representative (STAR), and in 2023, she joined the board of the Immigrant Architect Coalition (IAC), where she advocates for greater equity and representation in the profession. Oyuki is also an active member of the MAPS team (Minority Architects Pittsburgh Scholarship), supporting future architects from underrepresented backgrounds.

Deeply committed to mentorship, she guides international architects through the U.S. licensure process, helping them navigate both professional and cultural transitions. Her work bridges design excellence, advocacy, and community impact.

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Saakshi Terway

Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate

Saakshi Terway, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate, is a Designer at Quinn Evans in Washington, DC, where she contributes to projects ranging from adaptive reuse to federal and multi-family housing. A licensed architect in India, she holds a Master of Architecture and a certificate in Sustainable Landscape Design from the University of Cincinnati (UC). Saakshi’s work is rooted in a commitment to equity, climate resilience, and technology integration in architecture. She currently serves as the 2025 Associate Representative on the AIA Strategic Council and Secretary of the Immigrant Architects Coalition. Alongside being a published writer and public speaker, she founded the Inclusivity Student Scholarship at UC. Her contributions to the profession have been recognized with several honors, including the 2024 AIACA Norma Sklarek Humanitarian Award, 2023 DCCEAS Young Architect Award, and 2022 AIA|DC Emerging Architect’s Award.

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