MWA Seminar: Generations in Practice: A Conversation with URBAHN on Equity, Experience, and the Architectural Profession

This seminar brings together a dynamic, multi-generational group of women of color from the architecture firm URBAHN for an open and reflective conversation on their experiences within the profession. Spanning perspectives from Gen X to Millennials and Gen Z, the discussion explores how differing cultural backgrounds, career stages, and personal histories shape each participant’s path in architecture. At the center of the dialogue is a shared inquiry: how have conditions evolved over time?

Grounded in over 25 years of experience, Ijeoma’s perspective reflects on the forces that have shaped her expectations and perceptions, including the critical career phase in which many women of color are pushed out of the industry. Framing the conversation with a direct and urgent question—is it any better? She invites the next generations to respond, while also asking how the profession can collectively move toward meaningful change.

From a late Millennial perspective, Ciera brings insight from both real estate and architecture, examining how intersectionality plays out across different leadership demographics. Her reflections question whether the industry is truly setting itself up for success.

Liliana, also a late Millennial, reflects on the evolution of her career, from early notions of productivity as a measure of self-worth to a more expansive understanding of leadership. She discusses the challenges of navigating a longer and often more complex path to leadership as a minority, including confronting impostor syndrome, and considers how new pathways can be forged.

Offering a Gen Z perspective, Ruonan Du shares her experience as an immigrant and non-native English speaker, exploring how professional clarity and personal boundaries can help build authority. She reflects on the transition from academia to practice, and raises important questions about how “invisible work” is valued.