NOMA Conference: Building Bridges Towards Just and Joyful Futures

By bustler

Industry leaders Toshiko Mori, FAIA, Nina Cooke John, AIA, NOMA, Olelekan Jeyifous and others converge to discuss topics relevant to the BIPOC community including affirmative action and accurate historical storytelling in acknowledgement of the conference theme of “Building Bridges Towards Just and Joyful Futures”  

The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) announced it is hosting its national conference October 11-15, 2023, in Portland, Oregon, bringing together industry voices such as Toshiko Mori, FAIA, Nina Cooke John, AIA, NOMA, NCARB, and Olelekan Jeyifous for riveting conversations on topics impacting BIPOC architects and the industry. The conference, Building Bridges Towards Just and Joyful Futures, will bring more than 1,200 NOMA members, partners and allies together from 38 states, one U.S. territory and four countries, at its third sold-out conference. Attendees will engage in thought-provoking seminar sessions, connect with industry experts and celebrate member achievements, while also addressing the need for a more inclusive and diverse architecture industry. 

“We gather as distinguished leaders in the profession to address topics that impact and fuel BIPOC communities and to shine a light on the issues that influence and affect us personally and professionally,” says Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP, 2023-2024 NOMA President and Associate Principal at Adjaye Associates. “Hearing perspectives from field allies and voices such as Toshiko Mori, Nina Cooke John and Olelekan Jeyifous serves to inspire, motivate and challenge NOMA membership as we continue to push forward to address industry challenges and fight to achieve equal representation in the field.”

Held at the Hilton Portland Downtown and organized by NOMA national staff, volunteers and the NOMA Portland (PDX) chapter, the five-day conference theme was inspired by the collection of 12 bridges in Portland, connecting the east and west sides of the city. Building Bridges Towards Just and Joyful Futures is a reminder that NOMA has created a rich organization steeped in history, leaning on its members to overcome significant barriers and continuing to build bridges over various forms of oppression. Attendees will delve into sessions that focus on the profound impact the built environment plays in creating inclusivity and accessibility, paving a way for a  healthier, more just and equitable future.