Newsletter | Sep/Oct 2018
Volume 46:5 | SearchIf you would like to see corrections to this newsletter or to submit articles or suggestions for future newsletters please contact the Newsletter Editor at newsletter@owa-usa.org.
In this issue: | Member Spotlight :: Hannah Chatham - Hannah Chatham PAST EVENT: #me too and you event - Bridget Basham Annual Retreat 2018 : Celebration of 45 Years and Why OWA+DP Matters - Rachel Sloniki PAST EVENT: Annual Business Meeting - Maryam Moayery NIa Donation to Hamilton Family! - Maryam Moayery NIa |
Member Spotlight :: Hannah Chathamby Hannah Chatham | Share #1318 |
2. How has someone’s mentoring made a difference in your life or career?
I have an Auntie who is an incredibly strong woman and confident person. Her love for me and straightforward talk with me about work and life has encouraged me to be strong and confident myself. She also instilled in me a level of excellence in everything I do, for which I will always be grateful.
3. What is your next big goal for yourself, personally or professionally?
One of my next goals for myself professionally is to work with the alternative building group Earthship Biotecture in Taos, New Mexico.
4. In a parallel life, what would be your line of work and why?Musician and painter. My love for those two things runs deep and makes me come alive!
5. What has changed since you started in your field?
I am currently working as an "environmental graphic designer" on the Wayfinding Enhancement Program at San Francisco Airport. I have mostly worked in various fields of graphic design but have training in industrial design as well. In the consumer market, I have noticed a shift towards less waste, more green/sustainable materials and practices and acknowledgement we cannot create plastic goods forever, etc . This seems to be a good sign.
6. Has your career path been shaped by being a woman, and how?
Interesting question. I seek fulfillment and meaning in my work, relational stability and a sense of contribution (are those female characteristics?) I tend to not ask for pay raises as easily as my male counterparts. I have taken jobs based on my level of interest in the work and level of positive team culture. I seek out other female professionals to compare and contrast my experiences. In summary, I don't think my path is necessarily a female one, but how I go about making my decisions is shaped by my perspective as a woman.
PAST EVENT: #me too and you event
by Bridget Basham | Share #1306Annual Retreat 2018 : Celebration of 45 Years and Why OWA+DP Matters
by Rachel Sloniki | Share #1311PAST EVENT: Annual Business Meeting
by Maryam Moayery NIa | Share #1303The Steering Committee would like to thank all the members who attended this year's business meeting on Tuesday , October 9th. The major topics of this year's meeting were approving next year's budge, electing new Steering Committee members and reports from each Steering Committee member regarding their work for the organization this year.
We would love to thank the following members who will be ending their Steering Committee terms this year. We are grateful for all the hard work they have put into the organization: Spring Friedlander, Helen Vasquez, Conyee Chan and Hannah Chatham. two of our current SC members will continue next year: Bridget Basham and Maryam Moayery Nia.
We had 5 members who have volunteered to serve on the steering committee for the next two years. We are excited to welcome new members to the Steering Committee: Leslie Golden, Betty Woo, Carolyne Orazi, Allison Kinst and Claire Hansen.Please read their statements below to learn a little bit more about them.
Steering Committee Candidate Statements
Share #1317Allison Kinst
I've been a member of OWA+DP since 2013 and I was a member of the 2014-2015 Steering Committee. I would be honored to serve again on the OWA+DP Steering Committee for 2019-2020.
I’ve spent most of my life in California, growing up in the East Bay before moving to Southern California for college. I attended the University of California Irvine where I earned Bachelor's degrees in Environmental Analysis and Design, and Psychology. After undergrad, I attended the University of Oregon where I earned a Master of Architecture degree. I moved to China in April 2012 to take a job with an architecture firm in Beijing working on multi-family housing, urban design projects and design competitions. After a year in Beijing I returned to the Bay Area and worked at an environmental graphics firm, and then spent four years working at an architecture firm focused on multi-family housing. This spring I started a new job at Mithun Solomon in San Francisco where I am currently working on two student housing projects for UCLA.
At my first OWA+DP retreat In 2013 I volunteered to be on the Steering Committee, and served as the Policies and Procedures Coordinator for 2014-2015. My duties were to organize and run the Steering Committee meetings, assist any other SC members with any questions about procedural issues, and chair the annual OWA+DP business meetings. As PPC I also researched and set up our board insurance for the SC, and organized the OWA+DP visioning retreat held in February 2016. I have also volunteered for the OWA+DP retreat committee organizing the art project in 2016 and helping with the retreat program in 2018.
As an SC member my priorities would be building on the great work of our current SC to increase our public relations efforts and expand the programs we offer throughout the year. I also would like to work on increasing the diversity of our membership, reaching out to young students considering design careers, and improving the ability of the SC to transition smoothly from year to year. Being a part of OWA has meant so much to me, it has really helped me grow personally and professionally and I have made so many wonderful memories and built so many great friendships through my involvement with OWA+DP. I strongly believe in the importance of the OWA+DP’s mission and the support it offers our community. I would be honored to have the opportunity to give back to this incredible organization, by serving on the Steering Committee for 2019-2020.
Betty Woo
This letter is to express my desire to serve on the Steering Committee of the OWA-DP for the 2019-2020 term. I am a licensed architect and for the past 16 years have owned an architectural firm in Davis, CA. Although I joined OWA shortly after attending my first retreat over 20 years ago, the long drive from Davis and my busy sole proprietorship has caused me to miss most meetings. Consequently, I have never served on the steering committee. I have served on a few OWA committees, including committees for the 30th and 40th anniversary celebrations. Along with Gilda Puente Peters and other committee members I helped plan both the 30th and 40th Anniversary Celebrations and Gala. I also worked on the 40th anniversary Mediterranean Cruise.
Over the years, it has been my privilege to enjoy the fellowship, talents and hard work of our OWA colleagues. The richness the OWA-DP has added to my life is incalculable. As I reduce my workload in preparation for retirement, I hope to have more time to give back to the organization that has given me so much and to serve on the Steering Committee.
Carolyne Orazi
I hold a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Washington. I have worked in both landscape architecture as well as architecture firms as a designer, however, most of my working experience has been in architecture firms. My architecture experience is in multifamily residential and in large commercial projects. I am currently studying for the ARE exams.
I served on the Steering Committee twice before and had a very positive experience. I was inspired to volunteer again because I was encouraged by the wonderful energy I felt at the Retreat. I am looking forward to serving the OWADP again.
Claire Hansen
I was a student at University of San Francisco, when Hana Bottger suggest I attend the OWA retreat, that was in 2015. I graduated in 2016. I currently work at Dumican Mosey Architects as the admin assistant/junior designer. Attending this year’s retreat reignited my passion to learn everything I can from everyone who’s open to teaching and peaked my interested in volunteering on the Steering Committee.
I’m a highly detail-oriented person and enjoy tracking and organizing information. I have an interest in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of systems. With a role on the steering committee, I hope to bring those skills, along with a new perspective towards methods of communications for news, activists, events.
It amazes me that OWA has been around for 45 years, yet it very new to me. I look forward to familiarizing myself more with the organization and the members. I hope to become an active member of this supportive community.
Leslie Golden
The OwA is such a wonderful resource for women. I want to be there to continue the support of women professionals
I recognize now I have the time, energy, resilience, experience and desire to help the next generation of women professionals and that the existing committee members need to focus more on their careers rather than extending their steering committee commitments to the Owa.
Focus Areas
1) end of firm transition planning, buying into a firm or selling. Interior or exterior transition planning. Presentation by attorney and maybe moderated by me.
2) contract documents. I have an attorney willing to research specific issues and present on an area of concern to members.
3) mentoring small business development
Donation to Hamilton Family!
by Maryam Moayery NIa | Share #1314Similar to previous holiday seasons, OWA will support Hamilton Family Center. Established in 1985, Hamilton Families is San Francisco’s leading service provider to homeless families, with carefully designed programs to prevent homelessness, provide shelter and stability, return families to permanent housing and support the well-being of children experiencing homelessness.
This year, we are honored to have been matched with two families! Please click on Wishlist and fill it before holiday party for any gift you would like to purchase and bring the gift to the party.
If you have any problem opening the link please contact Maryam Moayery Nia or Helen Vasquez.
The most important thing is please label your gift with the number and the name of the person requesting it.
Upcoming event :: Now What?! Advocacy, Activism & Alliances in American Architecture since 1968
Share #1315
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