SEA-MW Book Club Panel Discussion:
"Prospering In The U.S.:
A Handbook For Immigrant Architects"
Join SEA-MW's SE3 (Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity) Committee for an engaging panel discussion on the book "Prospering In The U.S.: A Handbook For Immigrant Architects". This book is a comprehensive resource that compiles essential insights and practical advice from twenty nine successful immigrant architects and designers from around the world. Covering topics from cultural acclimation to career development, this handbook serves as a road map in pursuing a thriving and inclusive career in the United States. We will be joined by three local authors & architects that contributed to this book.
Featured Speakers (and Co-Authors of this book):
Gozde Yildirim – Senior Design Professional at HOK
Gozde Yildirim, Assoc. AIA, LEED GA, M.Arch, MBA, earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture from Beykent University in Istanbul. After receiving a scholarship from Miami University, Ohio, she completed her master’s in architecture in 2015. Gozde began her career with the Turkish Ministry of Health’s Ikitelli Integrated Health Campus, Europe’s largest hospital, which inspired her to focus on healthcare architecture.
With eight years of experience, Gozde excels as a Senior Design Professional and BIM Coordinator at HOK, where she contributed to large-scale healthcare projects. Her dedication and expertise have earned her the titles of 2023 Healthcare Design Rising Star and 2024 Women in Healthcare Rising Star. Gozde is deeply committed to service, mentorship, and promoting equity in the industry. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Women in Healthcare Washington, D.C. Chapter and AIA|DC’s Equity Committee.
Mika Naraynsingh – Project Architect at Perkins&Will
Mika Naraynsingh is a Project Architect at Perkins&Will, with a passion for building enclosure and façade design. As a socially conscious professional, Mika has co-founded and served on various mentorship and diversity committees. She has taken leadership roles in AIA|DC as the Advocacy Chair for the Emerging Architects Committee and is the Past Chair for the Equity Committee by WIELD. In 2024 she joins AIA|DC’s Board of Directors as a Director-at-Large.
As a community focused architect, Mika is determined to build an equitable profession. She has spearheaded programs to keep women and minorities supported in the industry. She co-authored City Shapers: Stories of Immigrant Designers and has been featured in podcasts like Architectette and Architect My Life. For her advocacy efforts she has received the 2022 UNBUILT Washington Honor Award, 2023 Sho Ping Chin Women's Leadership Summit Grant and the 2023 AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award.
Saakshi Terway – Project Designer at Quinn Evans
Originally from New Delhi, Saakshi Terway, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate, works as a Project Designer at Quinn Evans in Washington, DC. As a design professional, she has contributed to many federal, adaptive reuse, mixed-use, multi-family, and senior living projects. After working for two years in India, where she is a licensed architect, Saakshi graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a master’s degree in architecture and a certification in sustainable landscape design. Her interests lie in responsible and sustainable architecture that has a social impact on local and global communities.
Saakshi is a well published professional who also advocates for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion within the industry. Currently, she is serving as the DC Representative at AIA National Associates Committee, Advisory Board member for the Women’s Leadership Summit, and as the Secretary of the Immigrant Architects Coalition. She is also the founder of the “Inclusivity Student Scholarship” at UC, a recent recipient of the 2024 AIACA Norma Sklare Humanitarian Award, 2023 DCCEAS Young Architect Award, 2022 AIA|DC Emerging Architect’s Award and the 2022 Sho-Ping Chin WLS Grant.
This event is free and open to all, but spaces are limited! Due to security reasons, RSVP is required.
We encourage participants to read the book before the event, however you do not have to read the whole book to participate. All are welcome.
Registration closes on Monday, February 10th, 2025 at midnight.
Schedule:
- 5:30pm to 6:00pm - Check-in and networking with light refreshments & snacks
- 6:00pm to 7:00pm - Panel Discussion with Q&A
- 7:00pm to 7:30pm - Closing and networking
