As we were sent home from school, participated in online studios, and practiced social distancing, AIAS Nebraska’s Executive Committee took action to create resources for students as we navigate a new climate. Our leadership team is actively finding ways to maximize your membership, by creating resources on a wide variety of topics, hosting virtual career and networking events, and connecting members together.
Now that classes have started back up at the University of Nebraska, our chapter is challenging you to push yourself, your peers, and your professors during the upcoming year to take action within our school and community to enact positive change. Our power comes from the individual efforts of every student involved in AIAS. Together, it is time to make necessary changes to ensure that architectural education and the profession gives everyone a seat at the table. We are the next generation of architects and designers who are going to be responsible for shaping the world and must leave it better than we found it. Things will look different, and we definitely can’t predict what is to come, but the AIAS has proven again and again just how resilient we are.
Opportunities to Act-On
Joining a committee, taking on a new leadership position, or running for the executive committee are all great ways to take action and aid in the effort to better your school, this organization, the profession, and the world! No matter what your leadership journey has looked like, or even if you’re just getting started, we would love to have you and welcome you to join the team!
Each year the AIAS works to address issues impacting students across the organization with help from our dedicated members through our committees and task forces. These members bring their different perspectives and experiences together and empower one another to lead us into a healthier, accessible, inclusive, more sustainable, and resilient future. Over the past few months, there has been a resounding effort from professionals and students alike to speak up and speak louder than ever to make the necessary changes in our communities. Our 2020-2021 Executive Committee is ready to get to work as we move into this next year and continue to fight for what we believe in alongside the membership on this year’s committees.
Events Committee
AIAS Nebraska's Events Committee is focused on fostering an inclusive network of peers that learn from, support, and drive one another. Prior to the world health crisis Covid-19 created, AIAS Nebraska used to host large formals in the fall and spring to help students unwind before finals, along with other fun events to help give students a break from studio. The events committee is always looking for new members to join the committee to bring new ideas and leadership to the table. The committee is chaired by the Events Director.
Committee Chair: Tristin Korinek
Professional Development Committee
Formerly known as the Mentorship Committee, this group of students is tasked with linking the profession’s opportunities to architectural education. This is often accomplished through firm tours, portfolio workshops, and various networking events. This year, the committee is working with AIA Nebraska's Emerging Professionals Committee to develop a mentorship program that will pair students with design professionals. This committee is a great way to connect with local professionals while helping our students be more successful inside and outside their education. The committee is chaired by the External Vice President.
Committee Chair: Geneva Sinkula
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee
The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee assists our chapter by bringing to light and striving to eliminate issues of social justice as they relate to architectural education. The committee communicates with the membership ways to increase awareness and combat issues of injustice including, but not limited to equity, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility in AIAS Chapters, studio/work environments, buildings, individuals, teams, communities, and/or cities. This committee is currently chaired by the Events Director, External Vice President, and President.
Committee Chair: Tristin Korinek, Geneva Sinkula, Quinn McFadden
Freedom By Design
The AIAS is committed to giving students educational resources, professional development, and community service opportunities. Freedom By Design empowers architecture students to become owners in a process that radically impacts the lives of people through design-build and engagement solutions. Our Freedom By Design team at Nebraska works on a range of engagement activities like K-12 education programs and design-build opportunities with The Bay Lincoln. Our team is currently in the design phase of an exterior renovation for The Bay and is seeking more members to join in on the design and for the build later this semester. This committee is chaired by the Freedom By Design Director.
Freedom By Design Director: Tiffany Schweer
Graphics Committee
Our Graphics Committee is often an overlooked committee within our chapter, but they play a critical role in our chapter's success. The committee is tasked with creating all graphics for social media posts, event posters, and announcements for the N' Studio Podcast. The Graphics Committee is chaired by the Social Media Director.
Graphics Committee Chair: Calee Martin