Empowering Voices: Katie Koji’s Mission to Amplify Women of Color in Architecture

Katie Koji’s 2024 JADE Summer Fellowship Capstone Project, Empowering Voices: Women Students of Color in Architecture, tackles the urgent need for greater diversity and representation in the architecture field. With only 19% of architects identifying as people of color and women making up less than half of licensure candidates, Koji’s project seeks to dismantle barriers and amplify the voices of women of color. By fostering visibility, providing mentorship, and creating supportive networks, her initiative aspires to empower the next generation of diverse architects.

Through collaborations with institutions such as Drexel University and Thomas Jefferson University, Koji’s project will feature workshops, small group discussions, and mentorship programs designed to educate and inspire. These efforts not only aim to support women of color in navigating the challenges of architecture but also address systemic issues of underrepresentation—where only 7% of architects are Asian and 6% are Latino. Koji’s initiative recognizes the disparities and challenges unique to these groups while emphasizing the power of collective support and advocacy.

Koji’s ultimate vision is to cultivate a field where women of color are empowered to find their voices, achieve licensure, and thrive in their careers. By breaking down barriers and building lasting networks, Empowering Voices paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in architecture.