Mentoring Architectural Pathways: A Leadership Pipeline for the Next Generation
Mission: Mentoring Architectural Pathways (MAP) is AIA Brooklyn’s formal mentorship program designed to open and strengthen the pipeline into the architecture profession. MAP cultivates the next generation of leaders through a structured, multi‑stage “steps and ladders” model that supports students, emerging professionals, and young architects as they grow into confident, community‑minded practitioners.
Program Purpose: MAP builds an annual cycle of mentorship cohorts beginning each Spring. Participants progress through guided stages of professional development, leadership training, and peer learning – culminating in a collective service project showcased during Architecture Week. These projects highlight the stories, challenges, and achievements shared throughout the year, reinforcing the program’s commitment to visibility, equity, and community impact.
Program Structure: MAP brings together young architects, emerging professionals, and seasoned practitioners in small, intentional mentorship clusters. Each cohort is anchored by four in‑person touchpoints aligned with AIA Brooklyn’s BKEP Ask Me Anything Forums, creating a consistent rhythm of connection, reflection, and real‑world insight.
Leadership Development Approach: The MAP model emphasizes meaningful, sustained growth through:
- One‑to‑one coaching between mentors and mentees
- Monthly small‑group sessions focused on career pathways, licensure, leadership, and professional practices
- Cross‑generational learning that strengthens the architecture profession’s pipeline
- Service‑based leadership, culminating in an Architecture Week educational project that amplifies participant voices, community impact, and expanding the mentorship pipeline to K-12 students across the city
MAP is designed to help emerging professionals advance each step of their professional journey with clarity, confidence, and community.
Meet the 2026 Mentors & Mentees
Join the MAP WhatsApp Channel
To get involved, please contact AIAMAP@aiabrooklyn.org
MAP Program Volunteer Leadership:
– Advisor and Chapter Board Director: Mi Zhang, AIA
– Chair: Kevin Garcia, AIA
– Co-Chair: Catherine (Catie) Gaspard, AIA
– Program Director: Catherine Moreno, Assoc. AIA
– Program Director: Emily Nelson, Assoc. AIA
– Program Coordinator: Evan Murphy, Assoc. AIA
– Program Coordinator: Christopher Mancia, AIA
Architecture Week 2026
Click here to learn about Architecture Week 2026 activities.
- AIA Brooklyn’s MAP committee launched a two-day architecture studio for high school students called Reading the Block, while the WIA committee launched a one-day Design Like a Girl workshop for primary school students.
- Volunteers included ACE Mentorship, AIAS, FAIA members, City Tech Chair and faculty from the Architecture department and AIA Brookyn members.
- City Tech’s Architecture Department hosted the two-day workshop – Click here to learn more about their HS Summer Architecture Immersion Programs or City Tech’s free College Now Summer Architect Immersion Program
- Architecture Week K-12 programs helps expand community engagement with the local NYC High School students and their families. The students attend local Brooklyn firm tours, review and analyze an urban block in DUMBO, and enjoy a design charrette – sketching their ideas, crafting/building models to help improve the built environment.
- All students were engaged and left with a greater understanding of the role an architect can play in improving the community at large.
