(October 29, 2025) — AIA California congratulates sixteen emerging professionals on their successful completion of the organization’s inaugural Emerging Professionals Leadership Academy. The initiative is a comprehensive leadership development program that cultivates the next generation of architectural leaders across California through virtual in-person learning experiences and virtual sessions, an eight-month course running from March through October.

The Academy brought together emerging professionals from local AIA chapters throughout the state for six virtual sessions and two in-person gatherings, creating a powerful platform for leadership development, professional networking, and collaborative chapter projects.

“Participating in the Leadership Academy was a great way to connect with EP leaders across the state, from participating in a book club to meeting virtually and in person we were all able to grow together and share ideas throughout the year,” said Liam Hanlon, Assoc. AIA, Vice President of the Academy for Emerging Professionals.

The program spanned a diverse curriculum including self-awareness and emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, team building, advocacy, organizational leadership, effective communication, ethical decision-making, and professional networking. Alongside live sessions curated by educational speakers and advisors, participants engaged with Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead,” applying these leadership principles through real-world chapter projects. The curriculum was designed to bridge gaps between state and local AIA chapters while delivering tangible value to local architectural communities.

2025 Emerging Professionals Leadership Academy Laureates:

• Yoshira Jimenez, Assoc. AIA – Emerging Professional Director at AIA California Central Coast
• Arnulfo Rodriguez, Assoc. AIA – Emerging Professional Leader at AIA Central Valley
• Daniel Mason, AIA – Emerging Professional Director at AIA East Bay
• Alex Roestenburg, Assoc. AIA – Emerging Professional Director at AIA Golden Empire
• Rebecca Skelin, AIA – Emerging Professional Director at AIA Monterey Bay
• Trenton Inoue, Assoc. AIA – Emerging Professional Director at AIA Orange County
• Agustin Avalos, Intl. Assoc. AIA – Associate Director at AIA San Francisco
• Jesiy Richards, AIA – Emerging Professional Director at AIA Santa Barbara
• Yohannes Abebe, Assoc. AIA – Young & Emerging Professional Co-Chair at AIA San Diego
• Nishat Subah Peau, Assoc. AIA – Director at AIA Santa Barbara
• Sarah Emery, Assoc. AIA – Director at Large at Redwood Empire
• Liam Hanlon, Assoc. AIA – Vice President of AEP COA at AIA California
• Magdalini Vraila, AIA – Young Architect Representative at AIA California
• Michael Cintron, Assoc. AIA – Licensing Advisor, South at AIA California
• Justine Weigl, AIA – Licensing Advisor, North at AIA California
• Madhubala Ayyamperumal, Assoc. AIA – Associate Director, North at AIA California
• Rebekah Dalton, Assoc. AIA – Associate Director, South at AIA California

Educational Speakers and Advisors:

AIA California extends its gratitude to the educational speakers and advisors who contributed their expertise and guidance throughout the Academy sessions:

• Michael Bret Hood – 21^st Century Learning & Consulting
• Ida Clair, FAIA – AEP Member at Large and California State Architect
• Mandy Freeland, AIA – Former VP of AEP and Principal at Mandy Freeland, Architect, Inc.
• Scott Bartley, AIA – Architect at Hall & Bartley, former Mayor of Santa Rosa

Thank you to the firms who supported who hosted our members during this program:

• DPR Construction
• Gruen Associates

About the American Institute of Architects California (AIA California)

AIA California is dedicated to serving its members, and uniting all architecture professionals in the design of a more just, equitable, and resilient future through advocacy, education, and political action. It celebrates more than 75 years of service and, today, is composed of more than 11,000 members across the state.