On the 16th of September, the AIANY Women in Architecture committee hosted the first of a new series “In Dialogues With…”, during the monthly committee meeting. Rosalind Tsang, AIA, LEED Green Associate, WIA Advisory Board member, was in conversation with Gaylin Bowie, Associate & Senior Project Manager at Robert A.M. Stern Architects. Rosalind, who is Chinese-Canadian and Gaylin, who is Caribbean-American, shared touching, personal experiences recounting memories about their encounters with racial awareness, how they navigated their personal and professional lives.

The discussion was in three-parts, and focused on Discovery, Journey & Navigation, and Next Steps, Motivation, Call to Action. They spoke about how race factored into their current position in life, decisions made in tandem, and lessons learned. They also spoke about how recent events (George Floyd and the resurgence of the BLM movement) reminded them of an earlier time in their lives, and what is different and hopeful at this point in their lives. Highlights also included role models, and speaking of ways in which organizations can combat racism in the workplace, and set guidelines.

Rosalind and Gaylin were candid and thoughtful. This event is a perfect precedent as to how we can be in a professional setting yet still be vulnerable, listen, and learn. It reinforces that conversation is the first step toward awareness, understanding, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The September meeting agenda with details and resources can be viewed here.