Latinos in Architecture
LiA gathers the first Tuesday of every month from 6pm-7pm in-person at Architecture Center Houston or via Zoom
Interested in joining LiA Committee.
Contact Jennifer Ward at
jennifer@aiahouston.org
Chair
Craig Garcia, AIA
craig@gagearchitecture.com
Chair
Yvette Ramos, AIA
yramos@english-architects.com
Staff Liaison
Jennifer Ward
jennifer@aiahouston.org
Collegiate Scholarship and Mentorship Program 2025-2026
The Latinos in Architecture (LiA) collegiate Mentorship and Scholarship program (MaS), through AIA Houston and Architecture Center Houston, intends to bridge the gap between students and professionals in the architecture community. The MaS program matches college students pursuing a career path in architecture with a mentor who has an established career in the field. The program is for students who are striving to influence the future of the built environment and the architecture profession. MaS will kick off on September 10, 2025, and conclude in May 2026.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
for the mentorship:
- Students have the option of only particpating in the mentorship program and not pursue the scholarship. But, students are welcome to participate in any of the events related to MaS.
- Student pursuing a degree in architecture at the University of Houston, Rice University, or Prairie View A&M University.
- The program is open to both US citizens and foreign students.
for the scholarship:
- Students with at least one more academic year to apply scholarship funds directly to tuition.
- Students with full scholarships are not eligible.
SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS
The 2025-2026 program starts in September 2025 and ends in May 2026.
- Regularly check in with an assigned mentor (at least 4 times). These meetings can be in-person, virtual, or via phone call.
- Participate in the kick-off event where they will meet the mentors. Kick-off will take place September 10 at 7pm. Register here.
- Participate in the portfolio review organized by the LiA Committee.
- Attend three LiA, AIAH, TSA or HNOMA sponsored events. Not including student chapters or student-led events.
- Attend their university or college career fair.
- Submit a PDF on a project or portfolio at the end of the Fall semester.
- Submit a 5-minute video on a project or portfolio at the end of the Spring semester. The video should not be a recording of a class crit and should not exceed 5 minutes.
AWARDS
Students must participate in the listed activities to be considered for the scholarship. These activities are meant to support and complement the student’s academic career.
Scholarships will be awarded based on student participation in the program and their end-of-the semester submission reviewed by jury.
To participate or receive more information about the program, register here.
PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
2025 Olivia Salinas, 1st Level, Class of 2026, University of Houston
2025 Manuela Ordonez, 2nd Level, Class of 2029, University of Houston
2025 Ashley Gonzalez, 2nd Level, Class of 2026, University of Houston
2025 Simon Chiquito, 3rd Level, Class of 2026, University of Houston
2025 Nathalia Lewis, 3rd Level, Class of 2026, University of Houston
2025 Delia Almaguer, 3rd Level, Class of 2027, University of Houston
2025 Gissele Yanez, 4th Level, Class of 2026, University of Houston
2025 Miguel Carrion, 4th Level, Class of 2025, University of Houston
2025 Sofia Lopez, 4th Level, Class of 2027, University of Houston
2025 Luz Alfaro, 5th Level, Class of 2027, University of Houston
2025 Jennifer Luna, Honorable Mention, University of Houston
2025 Haley Hudegeons, Honorable Mention, University of Houston
2025 Carlos Cedillo, Honorable Mention, University of Houston
2025 Ivan Medrano, Honorable Mention, University of Houston
2025 Elizabeth Ramos, Honorable Mention, University of Houston
2025 Arely Ventura, Honorable Mention, University of Houston
2024 Ashley Espinoza, 1st Level, Class of 2025, University of Houston
2024 Astrid Gallareta, 2nd Level, Class of 2025, University of Houston
2024 Ashley Gonzlez, 3rd Level, Class of 2026, University of Houston
2024 Katya Flores, 3rd Level, Class of 2025, University of Houston
2024 Miguel Carrion, 3rd Level, Class of 2025, University of Houston
2024 Litzy Garcia, 4th Level, Class of 2025, University of Houston
2024 Stephanie Cornejo, 5th Level, Class of 2025, University of Houston
2024 Sofia Sierra, 6th Level, Class of 2025, University of Houston
2024 Delia Almaguer, 6th Level, Class of 2027, University of Houston
2024 Monica Rivera, 6th Level, Class of 2026, University of Houston
2024 Olivia Mae Arguello, Honorable Mention, Class of 2025, University of Houston
2024 Sofia Lopez, Honorable Mention, Class of 2027, University of Houston
2024 Gissele Yanez, Honorable Mention, Class of 2026, University of Houston
2024 Simon Chiquito, Honorable Mention, Class of 2026, University of Houston
2023 Alexia Orozco – 1st Place, Class of 2026, University of Houston
2023 Diana Arias – 1st Place, Class of 2024, University of Houston
2023 Isabella Ludena – 2nd Place, Class of 2024, University of Houston
2023 Eriberto Luna Rojo – 3rd Place, Class of 2025, University of Houston
2022 Stephanie Cornejo – 1st Place, Class of 2025, University of Houston
2022 Isabella Ludena, Class of 2024, University of Houston
2022 Viviana Perez – 3rd Place, Class of 2026, University of Houston
2022 Rodrigo Gallardo, 4th Place, Class of 2023, University of Houston
2020 Mariana Cano Saldana – Houston Community College
2020 Desiree Gonzalez – Houston Community College
2020 Francisco Ruiz – Houston Community College
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