Sofia Maruri Gaitan’s Capstone Project: Building Cultural Bridges in Design

Sofia Maruri Gaitan, a 2024 JADE Fellow from the Community College of Philadelphia, is spearheading an inspiring capstone project titled Cultural Bridges: Where Diversity Molds the Future of Design. This initiative addresses the glaring lack of diversity in the design industry by fostering an inclusive, culturally rich educational environment. Set to coincide with the final week of Hispanic Heritage Month (October 7–11), the project aims to celebrate cultural diversity, enhance support for minority design students, and create meaningful collaborations among local colleges and the design community.

The weeklong event series will include a vibrant cultural festival featuring music, food, and dance; panel discussions with accomplished minority design professionals; and workshops to engage students and spark dialogue about diversity in the design field. An artistic exhibit will run throughout the week, showcasing works that reflect cultural themes. Collaborators include local student organizations such as LASO, Ritmo Latino Club, and DACA, as well as influential design professionals like Ximena Valle and Carlos Matei. Non-profits like Taller Puertorriqueño and CMCET will lend additional support, ensuring the initiative is deeply rooted in community engagement.

Addressing Challenges and Shaping the Future

Sofia’s project responds to sobering statistics highlighting the lack of diversity in design: only 10.6% of designers identify as Hispanic/Latinx, and 3.7% of architects are Black. These numbers are mirrored by a lack of diversity among design school faculty, exacerbating barriers for underrepresented students. Economic challenges, limited access to resources, and cultural underrepresentation further hinder minority students’ engagement and success in the field.

By bringing students and professionals together in celebration and dialogue, Cultural Bridges aims to empower minority students, foster new networks among institutions like CCP, Temple, and Jefferson, and create a supportive collegiate environment. Through vibrant cultural appreciation and actionable steps, Sofia’s project advocates for a future where diversity is recognized as an essential strength in design education and practice.

Her call to action is clear: engage, celebrate, and support this initiative to shape a more inclusive and culturally rich design community.