Committee Members

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

Join us
3
  • Marco Virgili, AIA: Co-Chair  – Stantec
  • 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 March below!

March EDI Calendar

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

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 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 to April 9 – Key Muslim religious holidays include Ramadan, Islam’s sacred month. During this time Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk. Learn more at:https://ing.org/resources/for-all-groups/calendar-of-important-islamic-dates/ramadan-information-sheet/

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 12 – 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 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 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 23-24  – 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://reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/purim

March 25 – 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 31 – Easter: An important Christian holiday, which celebrates Jesus’ resurrection. Learn more at:https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/true-meaning-of-easter-why-is-it-celebrated.html?amp=1

*Information courtesy of: DiversityResources.com

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