052: Graciela Carrillo: Shaping the AEC Industry as an Immigrant, Architect, and Advocate

Feb 10

Today’s guest is Graciela Carrillo, AIA. Graciella is a licensed Architect working as a Senior Manager at Nassau BOCES Facilities Services where she oversees capital and operational projects for County school districts.

Graciela is highly engaged with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) at local, state, and national levels and serves as an At Large Director on the AIA National Board. Graciela, originally from Colombia, is the Co-Founder of the non-profit Immigrant Architects Coalition. She is also a national speaker, podcast host, and has co-authored two books.

We talk about:

- Graciela’s journey from being a licensed architect in Colombia to starting fresh in the US. We chat through the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language and the complexities of transitioning all of her work experience into a totally new job market.

- We next discuss the challenge of passing the AREs and Graciela offers practical advice to streamline the process for others.

- Graciela also elaborates on the Immigrant Architects Coalition and how the non-profit encourages and empowers immigrants to become licensed architects. Graciela outlines on the peer mentorship, career resources, and scholarships offered by the IAC.

- As the first Latina president of AIA Long Island, Graciela reflects on the impacts of her volunteerism including co-founding the AIA Long Island Women in Architecture and Emerging Professionals Committees. We also chat about her impactful roles with AIA, including positions on the Strategic Council and the AIA board.

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Links:

Connect with Graciela on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracielacarrillo/⁠

Connect with Graciela on IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/gracecol/⁠

Immigrant Architects Collective: ⁠https://www.immigrantarchitects.org⁠

IAC Books: ⁠https://www.immigrantarchitects.org/prospering-in-the-us⁠

More links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/gracecol⁠

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