Emerging Professionals Network
Boston Society for Architecture (BSA/AIA)Boston, MA2018-2020I became co-chair of the Emerging Professionals Network (EPNet) at the BSA in early 2018. Our goals were to strengthen the relevancy of our programming, find ways to serve a broader net of emerging professionals in New England, align with the BSA overarching mission, and collaborate with other AEC institutions.
In these 3 years, EPNet diligently collaborated with groups such as the College of Fellows, producing dozens of programs that target mentorship, knowledge, and networking. Our members consistently gained skills on career development through panels and workshops with insightful local practitioners. Networking opportunities were presented not only for emerging architects: events such as the Winter Warmer are known to host students, engineers, designers, developers, contractors, product representatives, and so on.
In 2019, EPNet kicked off FeedBack, the first mentorship program made for Boston architecture EPs. By providing each mentor / mentee with a set of 5 resourceful professionals to connect with over the course of 5 months, FeedBack has positively impacted its participants and has the potential to be implemented through other AIA New England chapters.
Impact
Regional leadership for the largest emerging professional committee within New England, with outreach to over 2,500 peers
Envisioned and put in place strategy that ties focus on mentorship, knowledge, and networking to the BSA overarching goals
Consistent relationship with Boston-area professionals allows programs to remain heavily grounded in practice
Relevant programming engages over 20 AEC partners such as the College of Fellows, CSI, SMPS, ULI, USGBC, and the BSLA
Outcomes of service
Average of 12 programs per year, on mentorship, networking and/ or knowledge
Winter Warmer networking event reaches over 300 emerging professionals
60 mentors and mentees impacted by the first mentorship program created for Boston emerging professionals in architecture and parallel professions
Free online streaming of programs to additionally serve other AIA chapters
“Getting to know and work with Gabriela over the past few years has been an honor. Her work ethic and creative thinking have helped elevate the BSA to provide programming, networking, and mentoring opportunities that had been lacking throughout our community. Her work beyond EPNet co-chair, throughout the rest of the BSA communities, is admirable and inspirational.”
- Christopher Moyer, AIA