Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Action: Supporting Emerging Professionals – Inspiring the Next Generation of Landscape Architects – Connecting Design to Real-World Solutions
In 2013, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) convened its first Diversity Summit with the goal of developing a deeper understanding of why landscape architecture as a profession doesn’t attract a more diverse profile. Each summit brings together a group of experienced and emerging landscape architects who identify as African American or Latinx to develop strategies that address diversity issues in the field. These strategies are compiled into Diversity Summit summaries and reports, which are implemented throughout the year and reexamined at the following year’s summit.
This year, seventeen landscape architects from across the country participated, representing a wide array of sectors including residential design, education, horticulture, and urban planning. They were chosen to help address challenges in diversifying the profession and build upon recommendations for a path forward. Interested parties apply to participate in the summit, and are chosen by a panel of experts each year.
Today, ASLA released the 2019 Diversity Summit Report, the product of the summit held this spring. The report examines issues that African American, Latinx, Native American, and other underrepresented groups face in the landscape architecture profession.
As ASLA continues to advance the recommendations of past Diversity Summits, the organization and the growing community of attendees is committed to:
- Preparing ASLA members and chapters to adopt and implement engagement outreach strategies to increase educators, new strategic partners, and STEM stakeholders;
- Optimizing a contemporary paradigm whereby messaging and resources are developed to showcase unique solutions landscape architects apply to real-world problems, and;
- Establishing ASLA national position, values, and goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through an awareness campaign for firms, institutions, and individuals.
For more information on ASLA’s annual Diversity Summit, visit asla.org/diversitysummit or contact Lisa J. Jennings, Manager, Career Discovery and Diversity.
A record number of Diversity Summit participants will be speaking at the ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture in San Diego this November:
Patricia Algara, ASLA
President, BASE Landscape Architecture
SAT-C01 – Inside the LA Studio with BASE Landscape Architecture
Magdalena Aravena, ASLA
Landscape Designer, Hitchcock Design Group
SAT-B07 – Allies, Advocates, and Stakeholders: Building Up Women in Landscape Architecture
Ujijji Davis, ASLA
Landscape Architect, SmithGroup
SUN-A03 – Decolonizing Design: Black Narratives in Landscape Architecture
David Garce, ASLA, LEED AP
Prinicpal, GSBS Architects
SAT-C10 – Honoring Native American Heritage Through Collaborative Design
Gloria Lau, ASLA, AICP
Landscape Architect and Urban Planner, HNTB Corporation
SUN-A10 – Identify the Gap: Using Technology and Data for Inclusive Community Involvement
Jose de Jesus Leal, ASLA
Director of Sacramento Operations, MIG
FRI-A05 – Interpreting Native American Cultural Heritage Through Design
SAT-B04 – Cultural Diversity in Design: Uniting Communities Through Cultural Celebration
Kene Okigbo, ASLA
Landscape Architectural Intern, RDG Planning & Design
FRI-A06 – Landscape with an Edge
Andrew Sargeant, Associate ASLA
Landscape Designer, Lionheart Places LLC
SAT-B10 – New Ways to Dream: Visualizing the Landscape with Immersive Technology
Breeze Outlaw, Associate ASLA
Landscape Designer, Sasaki
SUN-A03 – Decolonizing Design: Black Narratives in Landscape Architecture
Darneka Waters, ASLA
Landscape Designer, Landworks Design Group, PA
WS-001 – Workshop: The LARE Experience—What to Expect and How to Prepare
October 16 is the advanced registration deadline—don’t miss it!