ASLA launched the Women of Color Licensure Advancement Program to support women of color in their pursuit of landscape architecture licensure and increase racial and gender diversity within the profession.
In its inaugural year, the program will provide 10 women of color with a two-year, personalized experience that includes up to $3,500 to cover the cost of sections of the Landscape Architectural Registration Exam (LARE), along with exam preparation courses, resources, and mentorship from a licensed landscape architect.
Apply to become part of the ASLA Women of Color Licensure Advancement Program by April 1, 2022.
Program eligibility requires the individual to: be a current ASLA member in good standing or eligible for ASLA membership at the associate, full, or affiliate membership levels; identify as a woman and be a person of color; and be eligible to sit for the LARE in the state where they are pursuing licensure.
“Licensure can be a tool to level the playing field among landscape architecture professionals. I found licensure gave me the affirmation I was seeking—that I am knowledgeable and capable in this profession. It eventually empowered me to take the jump and risk launching my firm, Studio Siembra.”
– Magdalena Aravena, ASLA, PLA
According to the U.S. Census and ASLA data, approximately 18.5 percent of the U.S. population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, while only 6 percent of ASLA members do. 13.4 percent of the U.S. population identifies as African American, but only 2.14 percent of ASLA members do. 1.3 percent of the U.S. population identifies as American Indian or Alaska Natives, but only 0.45 percent of ASLA members do. And 6.2 percent of the U.S. population identifies as Asian and Pacific Islander while 13.5 percent of ASLA members do, but ASLA doesn’t separate Asian from Asian American members in its data.
The statistics are telling, and as outlined in the Racial Equity Plan of Action, ASLA is committed to fostering equity and inclusion within the profession and to making significant strides to ensure that the makeup of the profession closely mirrors the communities landscape architects serve.
The ASLA Women of Color Licensure Advancement Program was initiated with a generous $100,000 donation by former ASLA President Wendy Miller, FASLA, and James Barefoot; Marq Truscott, FASLA; Rachel Ragatz Truscott, ASLA; and the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB).
Learn more about the program and how to apply.
To help ASLA grow and expand the program, visit the ASLA Fund to donate today.