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Connecting Women in Architecture – UNIK Parquet in collaboration with Tilebar

A night of inspiration and networking at UNIK Parquet’s showroom in Midtown, hosted by Women in Architecture (WIA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in collaboration with The Tilebar.

UNIK Parquet opened its new showroom doors to host a networking event in collaboration with the Women in Architecture (WIA) Committee of AIA Miami. This gathering, orchestrated by committee co-chairs Sara Jimenez and Michelle Lozano, brought together architects, industry professionals, and aspiring women in architecture for a night of connection and inspiration.

"A celebration of women in architecture, this event aimed to foster connections and support through grants and mentorship opportunities"

Sara Jimenez, co-chair of WIA, expressed excitement over the collaboration. “We want to thank Estefania Rengifo from The Tilebar and Juan Pablo Romero, the Regional Sales Manager at UNIK Parquet for hosting us,” she said. “Events like these are crucial for building connections and fostering partnerships in our industry.”

“The idea today is to network, see mentors, and ask questions about pursuing licensure or getting involved with AIA Miami or WIA events,” Michelle Lozano explained. The WIA grant program, established in 2020, has awarded over $50,000 to women architects facing financial barriers to licensure exams.

The event also served to promote the Women in Architecture ARE Grant, which aids women in their licensure journey. The grant covers costs associated with licensure exams, easing the financial burden on aspiring women architects. “The percentage of licensed women architects is still significantly lower than men,” Lozano remarked. “Our goal is to support women in reaching that milestone.”

Attendees included previous grant recipients, who shared their experiences and offered advice to those considering applying. Naomi and Lourdes, former co-founders of WIA, were recognized for their contributions to establishing the grant program. “We want to help you get noticed when you submit your application,” encouraged Lozano. “Follow the instructions carefully, and make sure your records are up to date.”

The event also included a preview of the upcoming AIA Miami Gala, scheduled for October 18 at the Scottish Rite in downtown Miami. Naomi Harrison, the Director of AIA Miami, invited attendees to join the red carpet event, which will feature award presentations for design, community service, and volunteering.

The Unique Parquet’s showroom provided the perfect backdrop for the evening, with its top-notch lighting and stylish design creating an inspiring atmosphere. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to connect in such a beautiful setting, underscoring the inclusive spirit of the event. As a participant remarked, “It was fantastic to be here and meet so many interesting people. The showroom is top-notch, and the networking opportunities were invaluable.”

This event, and others like it, play a crucial role in building a strong, supportive community for women in architecture. By promoting grants, offering mentorship, and providing platforms for networking, the Women in Architecture Committee of AIA Miami is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable profession. The message was clear: the Women in Architecture Committee is dedicated to empowering women architects, promoting licensure, and fostering a community where everyone can thrive. With continued support and participation, events like these will continue to inspire and uplift women in the field, paving the way for a more diverse and dynamic future in architecture.