J.E.D.I.

NOMA Connecticut Chapter Officially Chartered

Founding members of the newly chartered NOMA CT chapter gather at the NOMA CT holiday party on Dec. 10, 2019.

New Haven, CT – Formed in May of 2019, the founding members of the National Organization of Minority Architects, Connecticut Chapter were brought together through a call to action to drive the architecture profession in Connecticut forward. NOMAct partners with AEC professionals, local and state governments, students, and our communities to champion diversity, equity, and the education of architecture. After 21 months, they received confirmation that NOMA Connecticut, Inc. (NOMAct) is officially chartered.

“We are grateful to have reached this milestone, and thankful for the support and efforts of our members, allies and sponsors over the last 21 months. I wish to shine a spotlight on our first president, Jose Hernandez, who had the courage to speak up and get the ball rolling, and to Gina Calabro and AIA Connecticut, who helped us take our first steps.  I commend the determination and unity we showed during the challenges of 2020. We celebrate our charter while recognizing that our journey is only just beginning. It takes a village of us working together to banish racism and provide better opportunities, remove obstacles, and be more intentional in how we include all people in our world,” said NOMAct 2021-22 president, Paolo Campos, AIA, NOMA.

The chapter’s mission is to advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the architectural profession through mentorship, professional development, community outreach, and recognition. They will offer  virtual and in-person programming, ample opportunities for professional networking through mentorship, community outreach, and recognition.

NOMA’s mission, rooted in a rich legacy of activism, is to empower local chapters and membership to foster justice and equity in communities of color through outreach, community advocacy, professional development, and design excellence.