WING MAN CHAN
Bachelor of Architecture ’21
Metropolis Future 100 Award Winner, 2021
2×8 Student Competition, Exhibition and Scholarship Program Selected Participant, 2020

Why should women and girls pursue an education in the fields of architecture, design, or construction management? Why is it important to encourage women and girls?

I think we can all agree that architecture, design, and CM industries are essential and are related to shaping the setup of a living environment. In the architecture field, as we all said, designs should be user-centered. Having the majority of designers being male, there is a lack of viewpoint and opinion regarding female users’ experience in a design. As simple as a restroom design, women and girls would know better about what elements should be included because we are the users. Having women and girls entering these industries, I believe would bring a more considerate and well-rounded design process in general for the industry.

LUCY CAMPBELL
Librarian
President, Association of Architecture School Librarians (AASL), 2020-2021
Editorial Board, arcCa, 2020

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A time to celebrate women’s achievements today. But also a time to reflect on the historical fight for women’s rights and representation. We remember the brave women who led those efforts and think about how we can continue their work.

MACKENZIE SIMS
Master of Architecture 4+2 ’18
GlobeSt Top 50 under 40 Industry Leaders, 2020
Book Publication, “Learning Environments for Creativity,” 2020
San Diego Business Journal 40 Next Top Business Leaders under 40 Finalist, 2020
AIA San Diego Design Award Honoree, 2018

Why should women and girls pursue an education in the fields of architecture, design, or construction management? Why is it important to encourage women and girls?

Women and girls should pursue architecture, design, and construction management because they should pursue anything and everything that ignites their curiosity. This industry is a beautiful combination of skills, knowledge, and creative thinking. Girls and women have immense creative potential and should pursue industries that encourage innovation, creativity, and collaboration.

TINA ROYSTER
Receptionist
Celebrating Four Years at NewSchool, 2021

On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Don’t be afraid to find mentors and look outside of your career field. Everyone’s journey is unique and valuable.

FABIOLA RAMIREZ
Senior Academic & International Student Coordinator
Principal Designated School Official for SEVP, 2020

Why should women and girls pursue a career in the fields of architecture, design, or construction management? Why is it important to encourage women and girls?

We can become anything that we set our heart to. There are many successful females in architecture, design, and construction management. I highly encourage females to explore these degrees and make a positive impact in the industry.

ELENA SOPHIA LÄNGLE
Master of Science in Architecture ‘19
Lecturer on Architecture & Light, 2020

What woman inspires you and why?

As a passionate diver & free diver – and an underwater world lover – I have always admired the marine biologist, Dr. Sylvia Earle. She dedicated her whole life to research a field which was at that time dominated by men. Her persistence and courage allowed her to reach what she intended to.

ELENA PACENTI
Dean, School of Design
Advisory Board, San Diego Design Week, 2020-2021
Board of Directors, Design Forward Alliance, 2017-2020

What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the next generation of female architects, designers, and construction managers?

The risk of discrimination is always present, not only against gender, but also ethnicity, culture, and creativity (change) itself. But I’m optimistic, and I see in the challenges of these times the opportunity of making big changes, for the good. I always recommend my students to focus on their knowledge and skills and on their ability to discern what makes sense for society at large. In the next generation of designers, the “why” we design will lead the “what” and “how.” 

PRISCA BERMUDEZ
Director of Academic Advising & Student Success
Promoted to Director of Academic Advising & Student Success, 2020

On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

You will do great things, it might not always look like what you had envisioned and that’s ok.

FRIDA MORENO
Bachelor of Arts in Product Design ‘22
Mexican National Prize of Design: Best Conceptual Design, 2019
Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge Tracks Winner, 2019

On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their education?

My message to young women is to never give up on their education. Education is a tool that gives confidence, character and opens possibilities for a better future.

ASHLEY WAGNER
Director of Student Affairs
Promoted to Director of Student Affairs, 2020

What woman inspires you and why?

Personally, my mom has been my biggest inspiration and she continues to inspire me after she lost her battle with cancer. My mom raised my sisters and I in believing that what matters most is love, acceptance, and treating everyone with respect. My mom instilled her values of service before self and equality for all, and I will continue to emulate those values in everything I do moving forward.

DANIELA DEUTSCH
Head of Architecture Programs & Associate Professor
Promoted to Head of Architecture Programs, 2021
Board, San Diego Green Building Council, 2021
The German Design Award for Excellent Interior Architecture, 2021
AHEAD Europe Award for Hotel Newbuild, 2020

Why should women and girls pursue a career in the fields of architecture, design, construction management? Why is it important to encourage women and girls?

If it’s a calling, pursue it! It’s important to encourage them if they need to remember that women can do any job they want or have an affinity for. More specifically, all these jobs, Architect, Designer, or Construction Manager, offer satisfying careers with creative outputs and gratifying teamwork.

SOFIA MEDINA
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management ’22
Dean’s List, Fall 2019, Winter 2020, Spring 2020, and Fall 2020
President’s List, Spring 2020
President’s Award, Winter 2020 and Fall 2020

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a reminder of the progress we have made with gender equality, and the progress that remains to be made. To me, International Women’s Day is about recognizing and honoring the many achievements the women in my life and all women around the world have made. As a woman in Construction, it is important to raise awareness of the need for gender equity. I hope to break the male-dominant stigma that comes along with working in the Construction industry. I strive to overcome any challenges that I face, bring a new perspective, and empower women throughout this industry. I find it inspiring and motivating to see the success of my female colleagues. Being a woman means being strong, hardworking, independent, successful, and capable.

MICHELE CHRISTOPHER
Field Representative
Promoted to Field Representative, 2020

What woman inspires you and why?

So, so many…but my first and foremost is my mom who forged her way as a single mother, scholar, and professional, all during a time when society heavily frowned upon female independence. My mom made her own decisions, learned from her mistakes, achieved many personal successes, and never let anything stand in the way of her dreams. Like us all, she is not perfect, yet she is.

MITRA KANAANI
Director of IPAL Program & Level Coordinator for Graduate Integrative Year
Board Member, AIA San Diego, 2021
Elevated to Fellow of American Institute of Architects (FAIA), 2019
Member of NCARB Education Committee, 2017-2020
Published Three Major Publications, 2016, 2020, and 2022

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Do not hesitate to dream high and pursue your dream. Do not give up when encountering obstacles and failures. Failure is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable.