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vision

The vision of MSP AoA NOMA chapter is to advocate for and support diversity within our profession by promoting inclusivity and representation of design professionals that reflect our society.

Established in 1993

Our History

The Assembly of Architects was established in 1993 as a social organization for a growing minority design professional community.

The MSP AoA NOMA chapter was created having the former Assembly of Architects as its foundation. The Mission of this late organization was to help build and educate communities and to create collaborative and business partnerships that strive to enrich the lives of its members, youth and adults of color and the greater community.

MSP AoA NOMA carriers the AoA’s vision to achieve the stated mission through the development of community events, outreach programs, strategic partnership with alike organizations, youth workshops, members focus groups and more.

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Incorporated in 2003 as a non-profit to support career and leadership development through networking opportunities

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Social awareness event, “Baraza”, created as a way to introduce professionals and students of color to the community at large

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Provided over a dozen scholarships to support college students

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Goal Setting

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Relationship Coaching

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Stress Management

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Career Advice

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What Is Life Coaching?
Who is Coaching For?

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Who are our members?

Members are Architects, Engineers, Interior Designers, Planners, Contractors and Design Students. While anyone can be a member of NOMA, this organization focuses on supporting design professionals of color.

Why MSP AoA NOMA?

Members

Providing insight on issues related to race that are still prominent within our profession
Fostering communication, mentorship and fellowship among minority design professionals and design affiliated professions
Offering discussion forums on topics such as minority employee retention
Promoting diversity that reflects the Twin Cities demographics, helping to align our profession and the perceived value of our profession with the values and expectations of the Twin Cities communities
Creating potential opportunities for strategic partnerships with other professional organizations, including AIA, and ASLA, both locally and nationally
Encouraging the establishment of coalitions of member firms and individuals to form affiliate member / sponsor and joint venture relationships
Working with local, state, and national governments on issues affecting the physical development of neighborhoods and communities
Providing visible role models for children and youth interested in architecture and design related professions and serving as a source of motivation and inspiration
Recruiting and retaining talent through peer mentoring

The MSP AoA NOMA will be a space for design professionals of color in the Twin Cities to share their collective experiences and knowledge to further enhance their professional growth as leaders and advocates for our communities.

Board Members

Lyssa Washington

Assoc. AIA (President- Elect)

BIO

Paola Sanchez

Assoc. AIA (Treasurer)

BIO

Damaris Hollingsworth

AIA (President)

BIO

Karen Lu

AIA (Secretary)

BIO

Lyssa Washington

Assoc. AIA (President- Elect)

Lyssa is a native of Minneapolis, MN and has worked on a variety of projects throughout the Twin Cities ranging from multi-use planning projects to educational facilities. She is a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans, LA with a Master’s degree in Architecture and a Certificate of Preservation Studies. Lyssa has worked in and with firms both small and large in her 14+ years of professional experience; she is a creative problem solver, leader, effective communicator and collaborator. Lyssa is the Vice-President of MSP AoA NOMA, a volunteer with the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, and a LEED Accredited Professional.

Lyssa Washington

Assoc. AIA (President- Elect)

Lyssa is a native of Minneapolis, MN and has worked on a variety of projects throughout the Twin Cities ranging from multi-use planning projects to educational facilities. She is a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans, LA with a Master’s degree in Architecture and a Certificate of Preservation Studies. Lyssa has worked in and with firms both small and large in her 14+ years of professional experience; she is a creative problem solver, leader, effective communicator and collaborator. Lyssa is the Vice-President of MSP AoA NOMA, a volunteer with the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, and a LEED Accredited Professional.

Lyssa Washington

Assoc. AIA (President- Elect)

Lyssa is a native of Minneapolis, MN and has worked on a variety of projects throughout the Twin Cities ranging from multi-use planning projects to educational facilities. She is a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans, LA with a Master’s degree in Architecture and a Certificate of Preservation Studies. Lyssa has worked in and with firms both small and large in her 14+ years of professional experience; she is a creative problem solver, leader, effective communicator and collaborator. Lyssa is the Vice-President of MSP AoA NOMA, a volunteer with the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, and a LEED Accredited Professional.

Lyssa Washington

Assoc. AIA (President- Elect)

Lyssa is a native of Minneapolis, MN and has worked on a variety of projects throughout the Twin Cities ranging from multi-use planning projects to educational facilities. She is a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans, LA with a Master’s degree in Architecture and a Certificate of Preservation Studies. Lyssa has worked in and with firms both small and large in her 14+ years of professional experience; she is a creative problem solver, leader, effective communicator and collaborator. Lyssa is the Vice-President of MSP AoA NOMA, a volunteer with the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, and a LEED Accredited Professional.

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