Premiere Issue of the AIA CNJ Newsletter: News, Capitol Hill, Princeton University, Consciousness, and More!
Posted on Apr. 12, 2024 / Quarterly Newsletter / Subscribe 0
HAPPY SPRING TO THE AIA CNJ COMMUNITY!
As we step into the 2nd Quarter of 2024, we are thrilled to introduce a new and dynamic addition to Central's offerings: The Quarterly CNJ Newsletter! We hope to foster a closer connection to our section by providing quarterly insights and updates, starting with highlights from Q1: From mobilizing initiatives to meetings, planning sessions, webinars, and educational events, we have been working on our common goal: to lift the profession and professionals in our section.
2024 KICK-OFF
In January the year began with a planning session graciously held in AIA Central Architect Martin DeSapio’s board room in Flemington. We reviewed our mission, vision, survey results, wishes and priorities. The result was the establishment of formal actions to improve our interface with members, outreach efforts and exposure to unique and interesting events for members, families, and communities.
IT BECAME OFFICIAL
Our new board was installed: President: Erin Sharp Newton; Immediate Past-President: Elina Shchervinsky, AIA; President-Elect: Tania Althoff, AIA; Secretary: David von Stappenbeck, AIA; Treasurer: Benjamin Walmer, AIA; State Representative and Trustee: Keith Chambers, AIA; Trustee: LoriAnne Jones, AIA; Trustee: Carmine Cerminara, AIA; Trustee: Courtney Lowry, AIA; Trustee: Donna Terzano, AIA; Trustee: George Sincox, AIA; Trustee: Jason Kliwinski, AIA; Trustee: Joshua Zinder, AIA; Trustee: Steven Lang, AIA, and we welcomed our new Section Director: Robert Epstein!
Thank you to all our Board Members for their continued enthusiastic service to AIACNJ membership!
SEMINARS + SUMMITS
Highlights of our in-person seminars, advocacy efforts, events or conferences spanned from New York to Washington, DC.
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“Advocacy and Apprenticeship – Architecture, Trades and Construction: Behind the Scenes and at the State House” presented by Samantha DeAlmeida Roman, President of ABC, NJ and a “recognized force in the Statehouse”, was an excellent educational seminar given to members on February 21, 2024. The talk shed light and perspective on construction advocacy, public work, prevailing wage, and project labor agreements in the world of trades and construction companies, as well as how apprenticeship in the trades is growing the next generation of skilled workers.
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Women in Construction Event at Princeton University was a huge hit!
WIC Representatives of Central attended Princeton University’s Women in Construction Week kick-off event on March 4th, 2024, at Princeton University's Frist Campus Center. The inspiring Keynote Speaker Erika Rothenberger gave a dynamic presentation on strategic business growth through intentional networking. Afterwards, AIA Central NJ hosted its own Happy Hour at the Yankee Doodle Tap Room, for attendees to unwind and connect with industry peers. We thank AIACNJ President-Elect Tania Althoff for facilitating a presence for AIA Central Members. “It was uplifting to see so many women come together with different perspectives to support the profession and its evolution." - Tania Althoff, AIA.
ADVOCACY ON A NATIONAL STAGE
AIA National Leadership Summit: President Erin Sharp-Newton and Immediate Past President Elina Shchervinsky represented AIA CNJ at the AIA National Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, which took place February 27th to March 1st. The leadership summit guides leaders in membership, governance, and association management to better serve our section. A very impactful part of this summit is Hill Day, where AIA Leaders from all over the country work together to influence policy. Hill Day provides architect members with a platform to directly advocate for legislation impacting the profession before Members of Congress and Congressional staff, in person at the House and Senate office buildings at the U.S. Capitol. _____
New York Build Expo: President Erin Sharp-Newton represented AIA Central NJ at the recent New York Build Expo and presented on the panel: "Creating a Healthy Culture which is High Performing," to speak about the importance of addressing mental health issues in the built and lived environments. This participation underscores AIA Central NJ's commitment to promoting mental health awareness and well-being within our industry. The New York Build Expo held February 13-14, 2025, is the largest construction & design show in the Tri-state region. Also joining in attendance were Past President Elina Shchervinsky, AIA and AIA CNJ Members Simone Signorelli, AIA, Mugdha Chaiwathe, AIA, Carla Bonacci, FAIA and Ruchi Dhar, AIA from ALNNJ. Their presence helped to spread the strength and dedication of our AIA Central NJ community.
WEBINARS + WORKSHOPS
Our recent webinars and workshops focused on supporting members in leading with intention and innovation. Here is a glimpse into the valuable content we have had the privilege to host:
Time Management and Work-Life Balance: (3/15/24) Mugdha Chawathe, AIA, LEED AP, and AIA Central NJ’s Design and Service Awards Committee Member, led a seminar on mastering time management and cultivating a healthy work-life balance. Participants gained practical insights into prioritization, goal setting, and executing tasks efficiently, empowering them to optimize time and achieve a seamless integration of personal and professional life.
Waking Up to Conscious Leadership: (3/8/24) Gina Joren Tesser Phelan, PCC, explored conscious leadership and how it enhances an individual’s and an organization’s capacity to create purposefully, intentionally, and innovatively. This session provided valuable tools for shifting from reactivity to creativity, fear to trust, and burnout to growth, learning, and thriving.
Progress Through Storytelling: Small Firms Winning Approvals for Innovative Design: (3/5/24) AIA Central NJ Board Trustee Joshua Zinder, AIA, and Charles F. Bloszies FAIA, shared effective communication strategies for winning approvals for innovative designs. Through examples and lessons learned, attendees gained insights into anticipating concerns, evaluating design concepts, and improving external communications efforts.
The Stop Overworking Formula for Women Architects: (2/23/24) Maya Sharfi, a Harvard Graduate in Landscape Architecture, and Executive Coach (helping women leaders achieve more by doing less) presented strategies for achieving more by doing less, helping women architects reduce work hours and stress while achieving more client satisfaction and profit. Participants learned how to be less reactive, set and maintain boundaries, and create mental breaks to reduce burnout and increase creative ideation.
We are grateful to our speakers for sharing their expertise and insights with us, and to all attendees for participating!
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
2024 Annual AIA NJ Board Installation & Awards Gala: AIA Central members attended the Gala to support the State Board.
Women’s History Month Networking Event at Ulrich AIA Central attended the event hosted by the AIA New Jersey Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.
AIA New Jersey Women in Architecture: Past President Elina Shchervinsky announced as 2024 Committee Chair.
Two of AIA CNJ members named as AIA New Jersey Trustees-At-Large: AIA CNJ Past President LoriAnne Jones & Simone Signorelli, AIA.
Member Spotlight is formally up and running (Thank you George & Simone)
Design and Service Awards: We have developed an awards committee and are preparing to release the call for entries in the next Quarter!
That is all for now, thank you for reading and stay tuned for more upcoming events and opportunities to learn and grow within the AIA CNJ community!
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