Episode Description

This episode from Beyond the Surface features Alicia Ponce, founder and principal of APMonarch, a Chicago-based architecture firm. Alicia is also the founder of Arquitina, a national 501 (c )(3) organization dedicated to increasing the number of licensed Latina architects in the United States.

Alicia shares her inspirations and discusses her work supporting women in architecture through Arquitina. The conversation touches on the importance of representation, mentorship, and community-building for Latina architects, highlighting the challenges they face and the initiatives aimed at fostering greater diversity and inclusion in the profession.

Listeners gain insights into Alicia’s personal journey as an architect and advocate, as well as the broader impact of organizations like Arquitina in creating opportunities and networks for underrepresented groups. This episode also marks the one-year anniversary of the Beyond the Surface podcast, celebrating its mission to share meaningful stories.

Overall, this episode inspires architects and design professionals by emphasizing the power of empowering voices and building supportive communities to shape a more inclusive architectural landscape.