Empowering Equitable Architecture: Yiselle Santos Rivera on Diversity, Inclusion, and Innovative Spaces
It's a pleasure to have you on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, helmed by your host, Rob Lee. Be ready for an insightful conversation with Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, NOMA, LSSYB, LEED AP, WELL AP, is a distinguished architect and Principal at HKS, Inc., where she serves as the Global Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion. With an unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and fostering equitable practices, Yiselle amplifies the voices of marginalized communities through co-creation processes and designs that ensure equitable access. A trusted advisor to both firm leaders and clients, she plays a pivotal role in guiding organizations toward greater diversity and inclusivity. Yiselle's accolades include co-founding the Latin American Interior Designers, Engineers, and Architects (LA.IDEA) DC Committee, and founding "Women Inspiring Emerging Leaders in Design" (WIELD). She is also a prolific speaker and author, having contributed to the book "Latinas in Architecture: Stories of Raising the 1% one Latina at a Time". Recognized for her exceptional leadership, Yiselle received the 2018 AIA Associate Award and the 2022 AIA Young Architect Award. Currently, she serves as the AIA DC Chapter Board 2022 Vice President/2023 President-Elect and holds the NOMA Chair of Research and Development, continuing her impactful journey in championing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field of architecture.
In this episode, we uncover:
- The significance of acknowledging and embracing racial and cultural differences in the workplace. Explore stories and examples of how creating an inclusive environment positively impacts team dynamics, productivity, and overall employee satisfaction.
- Delve deep into the idea that true diversity and inclusion require more than just surface-level efforts. Uncover strategies and case studies where organizations have successfully implemented intentional, comprehensive diversity and inclusion initiatives that have a lasting impact.
- Step into the world of architecture and discover how curiosity is the driving force behind innovation. Interview architects and designers who share their experiences of how cultivating curiosity has led to groundbreaking problem-solving and transformative architectural designs.
- Explore the necessity for the architecture industry to challenge traditional norms and reimagine spaces that are equitable and inclusive for all. Engage in conversations with architects who are pushing boundaries and finding creative solutions to design environments that cater to diverse needs.
- Uncover the power of mindset shifts in overcoming obstacles. Feature personal stories of individuals who have triumphed over challenges by embracing authenticity, fearlessness, and a willingness to confront barriers head-on. This episode could ins
Don't miss this incredible episode as Yiselle discusses her background and journey to her current role. She shares how her experiences growing up in Puerto Rico and her passion for community engagement led her to a career in architecture. Yiselle emphasizes the importance of celebrating and acknowledging race and differences in the workplace, and she discusses how organizations can improve their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. She also highlights the need for intentionality and going beyond surface-level gestures when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Yiselle shares her perspective on obstacles and the importance of curiosity in her work. She concludes by discussing the changes she would like to see in the architecture industry, including a greater emphasis on questioning and innovation.
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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:
- Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
- Edited by Daniel Alexis
- Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor
Photos:
- Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
- Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.
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