Q2 Recap: 2020
We want to start by acknowledging that it has been a special season. We collectively have been adapting to working from home, finding ways to enjoy a socially distant summer, re-evaluating our roles in the workplace & in our communities, coping with job loss, loss of family members and friends, and frequent uprisings and political uncertainty. While we are a professional organization, we remind our audience that we are here to support each member in the best way we can as we all navigate a challenging time. In light of this, we’ve taken a few moments to reflect on what the last several months have looked like for our leadership and how we are adapting.
REFLECTIONS FROM LEADERSHIP
How did you create self care during this time?
Smitha Vasan (SV): I put a lot of intention towards meditation, reflection, and being real with myself about what I need in any moment. From there it's a careful balance between these discoveries and my pre-committed responsibilities. I've found it very important to be gentle with myself in this recent period, and to then extend that understanding and gentleness to others.
Mustapha Williams (MW): Self care during quarantine involved eating healthier and keeping up a workout routine at home. The quarantine also gave a great opportunity to reconnect virtually with friends that I haven't talked to in a while, start reading some books, and spruce up my apartment some more.
What are some changes you've made the last few months that have enhanced your career trajectory or work/life balance?
SV: Focusing on myself, living in the moment, dedicating myself more to things that I want and enjoy and less to the simple feeling of obligation. I also changed jobs to one that gives me a better feeling of purpose and intention, and this has given me a great feeling of growth and stimulation.
MW: I have restarted my ARE studies and hope to be done with them later this fall. This will allow me to bring more knowledge and hold more responsibilities on projects. I have also been appointed to the ACE Chicago Associates Board, both expanding my professional network but also having a larger impact for the students looking to join the building industry. (Congrats Mustapha!!)
I-NOMA maintained a pretty strong virtual presence early on in the quarantine, what were the top three challenges of hosting online events? What were some surprising wins/successes?
Smitha Vasan (SV): We were fortunate to have a great turnout at our organization-wide events but challenges did include: creating the light networking/happy-hour conversation in the time when everyone was logging in, starting conversation after a presentation, feeling the warmth of the community through only video. We also surprisingly saw considerable enthusiasm about meeting new people and learning new skills and areas of our industries.
How did you come up with the social media challenge? What benefits did you observe from the challenge?
SV: This was developed as a way to connect our member body when we were thrown into an extremely virtual world quite unexpectedly. We wanted to provide a lighthearted way to connect our members and let them reflect on the time and share current and past experiences. It was a great way to also support black businesses through the prizes!
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS
I-NOMA GOES VIRTUAL
General body meeting Featuring Dawveed Scully, AICP of som
The second general body meeting of the year was a bit surreal as members and friends stared at their screens at faces they normally see several times a year in three dimensions. Nonetheless, hearing Dawveed’s experience on the Michael Reese project from it’s inception while he was a student interning at SOM to now leading the efforts as an Associate to see this project built was inspiring. His experience shows how a journey of resilience and dedication can propel a career forward in the AEC industry.
MID-YEAR SUMMIT: HEALTHCARE DESIGN & HEALTHCARE EQUALITY
featuring Mntambo Fisher & Taft Cleveland + Annual Town hall
A major takeaway from the annual town hall included reflection on the then recent, and too frequent racialized violence among black people in the USA. Members expressed a strong desire for connection and space to share feelings in a raw manner after the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor murders. People were looking for ways to take action but also share their thoughts in spaces that did not always feel comfortable for doing so.
DESIGN BUILD
Despite the quarantine shutting down most in-person activities since mid March, the team opened the RFP and received 2 submissions! Stay tuned for the 2020/2021 partnership to be announced in the Quarter 3 blog post!
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Q2 events exposed members to various facets of professional life outside of every day traditional practice. Tips on residential real estate investing, wealth management, and how to build an alternative career in AEC from experts helped members imagine possibilities beyond their day to day. We send huge thanks to the following guest experts that joined us for professional development seminars!
Real Estate Investing 101: A conversation with the Downing Brothers
Wealth Management Seminar featuring Larry Powell, Guardian Insurance and Financial Services
Alternative Careers feat. Bill Allen, EvolveLAB, Disrupt Repeat, and On Point Scans
Sustainability in Design feat. Mara Baum FAIA, LEED Fellow, WELL AP of HOK