EDI Community

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

The cases to be made for equitable practice—moral, business, ethical, professional, and societal—all rely on bolstering practices that are inclusive of differences and equitable in approach, process, and effect. The EDI Community, formed in 2019, explores and fosters diversity, equality and inclusion in the architecture profession and in the design of our built environment.

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

Committee Members

More committee members means we get more done! Interested in joining us? Click here for more info:

Join us
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  • Marco Virgili, AIA: Co-Chair  – Strada
  • Jessie Catenacci, AIA: Co-Chair  – Perkins Eastman
  • Lucia Aguirre, AIA  – LGA Partners
  • Melissa Simonetti, Assoc. AIA  – Director of Construction and Project Management, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
  • Tiffany Castagno: Consultant  – CEPHR

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.

EDI Calendar of Observances

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 November below!

November EDI Calendar

National Native American Heritage Month: This month celebrates the contributions — cultures, traditions, histories — of Native people to the United States. Learn more at: https://www.bia.gov/NNAHM

Movember: A month-long fundraiser that seeks to raise awareness for men’s issues such as suicide as well as prostate and testicular cancer. Learn more at: https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/movember-2024-mens-health-awareness-month/

November 1 – All Saints’ Day, All Souls Day, Día de Los Muertos: These days are dedicated to all those who have passed away in the Christian faith as well as the Mexican and Aztec communities. Learn more at: https://uscatholic.org/articles/201111/is-dia-de-los-muertos-the-same-as-all-souls-day/

November 11 – Veterans Day: Originally called Armistice Day, began as an occasion to reflect on the heroism of those who died in our Country’s service. In 1954 the name was changed to ‘Veterans Day’ to recognize veterans of all wars. Learn more at:https://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/

November 16 – International Day for Tolerance: The UN holiday was founded to encourage respect among various people regardless of culture, language, religion, or ethnicity. Learn more at: https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/transgender-awareness-week-transgender-day-of-remembrance

November 16 – Dutch American Heritage Day: This day applauds the long friendship between the Netherlands and the United States. Learn more at: https://www.wmdutch-americanheritage.com/

November 13-19 – Transgender Awareness Week: A week-long event to celebrate, educate and advocate for transgender and non-binary people, and to raise awareness of the issues they face. The week leads to Transgender Day of Remembrance on 11/20, to honor and remember transgender people who have been murdered because of transphobia. Learn more at: https://pflag.org/transgender-day-of-remembrance/

November 24 – Native American Heritage Day: Take time to pay respects to Native Americans who have contributed so much to American history. This day also encourages schools to increase their understanding of Native American history. Learn more at:https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2024/aian-month.html

*Some information courtesy of: DiversityResources.com

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