EDI Community

Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is one of AIA Pittsburgh’s core values.

Founded in 2019, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee promotes, advocates for, and creates opportunities for greater equity, diversity, and inclusivity in architecture practice.

The EDI Committee uses the following to describe and define equity, diversity, and inclusion in practice:

  • Equity – is allocating resources to ensure every practitioner has access to the same opportunities and outcomes.
  • Diversity – Mix of different kinds of people. Identity markers include gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability.
  • Inclusion – Creates an environment in which everyone can contribute to discussions and decision-making equally and have the ability to help change systems.

E.D.I. Committee’s Mission (2026) :

We seek to advance equity, diversity, and inclusivity issues within the architecture profession. The committee can find itself most productive as a body to listen and understand the deeper issues, facilitate and inspire commitment and action, develop programs and initiatives that influence mission-congruent decisions, and demonstrate progress through findings of measuring, reporting, and accountability tools.

The EDI Community meets the fourth Monday of each month at 4pm.

Committee Members

Lucia M Aguirre, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C | LGA Partners

2026 Co-Chair

Parva Markiw, AIA, NCARB, NOMA, LEED Green Associate | DesignGroup

2026 Co-Chair

  • Jessie Catenacci-Morgan, AIA | Perkins Eastman
  • Chuck Coltharp, AIA | Gensler
  • Stuart Coppedge, FAIA | Desmone Architects
  • Melanie Buzgan Dower, AIA | Rothschild Doyno Collaborative
  • Huma Husain, Assoc. AIA | University of Pittsburgh
  • Leah Johnson, NOMA | Perkins Eastman
  • Sameedha Mahajan, Assoc. AIA | HDR
  • Parva Markiw, AIA | DesignGroup
  • Brenna Martin-Shaffer, AIA | Gensler
  • Katelyn Rossier, AIA | SmithGroup
  • Rebecca Schwartz, AIA | Michael Baker Intl.
  • Robert Tarasovich, AIA | Larson Design Group
  • Marco Virgili, AIA | Strada
  • Alicia Volcy, NOMA | Studio Volcy

2026 Goals

Develop and implement programs to raise awareness about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in architecture.

 

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging that encourages learning, dialogue, and mutual respect.

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Provide resources and opportunities for professional growth and development for all members, focusing on underrepresented groups.

Encourage and support inclusive practices within architectural firms and organizations.

Strengthen community engagement and partnerships to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the broader community.

Elevate Your Practice: Sign Up Now for Exploring Dimensions EDI Training

The AIA Pittsburgh Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Community is excited to present “Exploring Dimensions,” a 3-part virtual training designed exclusively for architecture firms, moderated by EDI and HR professional Tiffany Castagno. In these workshops you will gain an understanding of 1.) EDI foundations, 2.) how implicit bias can impact how we think, act, and feel and what we can do about it, and 3.) how power and privilege may manifest in the workplace. Firms may sign up for 1, 2 or all 3 workshops.

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your firm’s awareness and foster a more inclusive workplace. Learn more or schedule a workshop by emailing info@aiapgh.org.

March EDI Calendar

AIA Pittsburgh’s EDI Community is now sharing a small monthly sampling of diversity and inclusion observances to the Pittsburgh Community. We hope that by starting this initiative, we’ll inspire folks to embrace the richness of our diversity while creating an accepting space for all people. We encourage everyone to find ways to be involved, either by meaningful ways to participate within their own practice, or by learning more about each day’s significance. Check out the list of notable dates in March below!

March is Women’s History Month: Honors the role of women in American history.

March 1 – Feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, a day to honor Welsh culture and heritage to celebrate Welsh identity worldwide. Learn more at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_David%27s_Day

March 2 – Granting of U.S. Citizenship to Puerto Ricans: On this date, Congress passed the Jones Act, which gave Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship and the right to elect representatives to the House and Senate. Learn more at: https://guides.loc.gov/latinx-civil-rights/jones-shafroth-act

March 2-3  – Purim: This holiday celebrates the rescue of Jews by Esther from a plot to kill them. Fasting the day before Purim honors the fasting of Esther before her plea to the king for the Jewish people. Learn more at: https://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article_cdo/aid/645309/jewish/What-Is-Purim.htm

March 4 – Holi: Hindu holiday that celebrates the onset of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It is also known as the Festival of Colors. Learn more at: https://www.britannica.com/story/holi-festival-of-colors

March 8 – International Women’s Day: This global holiday is celebrated as a means to bring gender issues to the forefront such as reproductive rights, violence against women, and equal pay, as well as to highlighting the political, social, cultural, and economic achievements of women. Learn more at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day

March 10 – Harriet Tubman’s birthday (observed): American abolitionist who is well-known for her key role in the Underground Railroad. Learn more at: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/harriet-tubman

March 15 – UN International Day to combat Islamophobia: A UN observance that raises awareness about the prejudice, discrimination, and hatred faced by Muslims around the world. Learn more at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/anti-islamophobia-day

March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day: Feast day of a Catholic saint who inspires cultural and religious celebrations around the world. Learn more at: https://www.ireland.com/en-us/things-to-do/themes/culture/st-patricks-day/

March 18 – Chaharshanbe Suri: An Iranian celebration on the last Wednesday of the year. It is the first festivity of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. Learn more at: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaharshanbe_Suri

March 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: A day that encourages everyone to come together to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Learn more at: https://www.blueprintforall.org/anti-racism-day/

March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day: This global day of awareness can be supported by wearing fun socks, which is a tradition that started because Chromosome 21 strands look like socks and are unique looking. Learn more at: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org

March 20 – Nowruz: Nowruz, meaning “new day,” marks the first day of spring with over 300 million people taking part in the celebration of the vernal equinox. Learn more at: https://www.remitly.com/blog/lifestyle-culture/nowruz-welcoming-the-persian-new-year/

*Some information courtesy of: DiversityResources.com

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