How to Start a NOMA Chapter: Reflections on the Black Architect's Career Path with LeStavion Beverly, Bryant Phares and Ashley Pinkard

ARCHITECTING Podcast - Career + Lifestyle Mentoring for Architects looking to move beyond overwhelm and make a difference through design

Presence has power- so does absence. This chat with the founders and officers of the Ohio Valley NOMA Chapter offers insights into what it's like to navigate a challenging career without a whole lot of role models that look like you. Hear the story of their career paths as well as what's so important to them about creating this chapter.

1. Belonging and feeling safe to show up as your authentic self are critical career resources many black architects don't have. It takes effort to consciously create them, but it takes more effort (that could be better spent on creative work) to cope without them.
2. Don't wait for resources to come to you- seek out or form your own network whether through a formal organization like NOMA or an informal one.
3. Talking about taking action is meaningless unless you actually take action.
4. Building a pipeline for minority kids to a career in architecture is important. But it doesn't end with getting them in an architecture program. Outreach to students from the profession is critical to keeping them engaged.
5. Mentorship is crucial. Be willing to ask for it and give it.
6. Look at the presence of minorities in a firm, including whether those individuals are in leadership roles.
7. Don't let yourself get pigeonholed into a production role. Ask for opportunities to grow and lead.

CONTACT OHIO VALLEY NOMA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohiovalleynoma/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ohio-valley-noma/ab

Email: [e-mail]

Stay Inspired,

Angela

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