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The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) is dedicated to advancing the cause of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field of architecture. The committees of NOMA serve as the driving forces behind its mission, shaping a more equitable future for architects, designers, and the communities they serve. This is an overview of four key committees—Educate, Elevate, Empowerment, and Engage—each of which plays a crucial role in furthering NOMA’s mission.
Together, these committees work to fulfill NOMA’s vision of an architectural profession that champions diversity, equity, and justice. By understanding the role of each committee, we can see how NOMA’s initiatives lay the groundwork for an inclusive and responsive future in architecture.
The EDUCATE pillar is intended to expand NOMA’s recruitment and retention efforts to meet the needs of our higher education professionals while promoting rewarding alternative career paths in the architecture and design industry. A higher education career demands professors engage in research and creative work, publishing the results widely. NOMA has the opportunity to galvanize the collective effort of our valued scholars and educators at esteemed institutions of higher education across the country by creating a robust platform for professors to collaborate and share their work.
This can be accomplished through three initiatives – creating workshops for professors to present papers and research, soliciting papers from NOMA architecture scholars, and developing a journal to publish the conference proceedings. Coupled with a parallel focus to expand and rebrand Project Pipeline, these combined initiatives will provide the foundation for NOMA’s EDUCATE platform by supporting our goals to increase the number of both minority licensed architects and tenured faculty, and creating a safe space to explore the issues that are central to NOMA and our membership.
Dr. Kwesi Daniels is an Associate Professor and the Department Head of the Tuskegee University Architecture Department. His professional experience ranges across various disciplines, including historic preservation, architecture, sustainability management, and urban geography. He recently developed the historic preservation program at Tuskegee University, within the Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science. The goal of the program is to train architecture and construction science management students to handle the nuances of historic properties using technology like laser scanning, photogrammetry, 3D printing, drones, virtual reality and augmented reality. This preservation work has expanded the contemporary resources of Tuskegee University into African-American communities in Selma, Montgomery, Birmingham, and Tuskegee, Ala. Dr. Daniels earned a BArch and MArch in architecture from Tuskegee University and the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MS in sustainability management from Columbia University. In 2020 he earned a Ph.D. in urban geography from Temple University.
Annicia Streete is an assistant professor in the Louisiana State University, School of Architecture (LSU). Annicia was born and raised in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Her academic and professional background is multi-disciplinary, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structures at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and a Master of Architecture at the University of Colorado Denver, affording her the opportunity to teach and practice across the architecture, construction, and engineering disciplines.
Her research situates within domain studies of Afrofuturism, focusing on Formal and Informal Building Technology practices of African Diasporic communities throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, and Louisiana. Branches of her research include Building Documentation through 3D Scanning, Material Technology, Design Innovation, and Black Design Aesthetics.
Annicia is a founding member of the Colorado professional chapter of NOMA where she served on the Executive Board as chapter parliamentarian, the Faculty Advisor for the LSU NOMAS Student Chapter and currently serving on the National Board of NOMA as an EDUCATE Co-Chair. Annicia counts each opportunity to study, teach and serve an honor.
The ELEVATE pillar is focused on increasing the number of licensed minority architects, raising the performance bar of our student and professional NOMA chapters, and celebrating the success and accomplishments of our members across the country at both the local and national level. These initiatives are critical to the continued growth and success of the organization, and collectively serve to reinforce the tangible benefits and value of a NOMA membership.
As NOMA elevates the overall engagement and quality of our programming, we will simultaneously work to raise the profiles of our valued members and industry trailblazers. This will be accomplished through new national marketing campaigns such as the NOMA Voices and NOMA Spotlight monthly features, sharing the impactful stories and contributions of our members, and amplifying the platforms for our local and national leaders.
Joseph M. Cole is the Founding Principal and CEO of Culture Architecture and Design PLLC, a full-service Architecture and Interior Design firm based in Nashville, TN. Joseph has an extensive background in healthcare, workplace, and educational design. After attaining his Architect license, Joseph earned an MBA from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. During his time at Emory, Joseph studied abroad in Southeast Asia to research their technology, startup, and incubator culture.
The intersection of community advocacy, sustainability, economic development, and thoughtful design is a true passion for Joseph. Joseph’s continuous dedication to community impact is reflected in being awarded the University of Tennessee Chancellor’s Gene Mitchell Gray Pioneer Award, Allstate Insurances Giveback Day Hero Award, and Emory University’s Consortium Fellowship. Joseph is the Past-President of the National Organization of Minority Architects, Nashville Chapter (2021-2022), which hosted the 2022 NOMA National Conference.
Danei Cesario AIA, RIBA, NCARB, NOMA is the 333rd black female architect in American history. Hailing from Manchester, England, she is an internationally licensed architect, project manager, + public speaker. She is a Senior Project Manager, with experience managing dynamic mixed-use development, education, healthcare + wellness projects. With over a decade of experience, her leadership has been a significant factor in repeat partnerships.
Beyond the office, Danei’s passion for architecture + advocacy has led her to become a champion for design professionals + a sought-after speaker. Her experience working in diverse, global environments has yielded speaking engagements at numerous national + international conferences + private sector events, including the United Nations, SXSW, Royal Institute of British Architects, AIA National Conference + the New York Building Congress.
Danei served as chair of AIA New York’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee for over five years. Currently, she serves on the AIA New York State Board, representing nearly 10,000 members across 13 chapters, the Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization and the AIA New York Nominating Committee. She is a contributor/ambassador to organizations including Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation, Parlour, Blueprint for All (formerly Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust) + nycobaNOMA Executive Board. Danei is dedicated to fostering Mentorship, Sponsorship + Leadership within the design community. She founded WALLEN + daub to expand on these principles.
The EMPOWER pillar of NOMA works to increase economic opportunities for members and minority firms, while amplifying collective advocacy efforts across the country in support of a just and equitable future. Empowerment is achieved by first being heard and seen. NOMA advocacy efforts will be shaped by listening to the voice and needs of our members to best understand specific support initiatives required across our communities. A strong focus on creating an authentic and collaborative movement toward cultural resilience will be vital to the full process.
In accordance with the principles of the twelve founders, NOMA has the responsibility to respond to and lead justice efforts alongside and across advocacy groups. The national EMPOWER committee will serve to remind members of the agency within us, our inherent resilience and shared core values.
DAMARIS HOLLINGSWORTH NCARB, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP: TEDx Speaker, Inclusive architectural thought leader, Damaris creates sustainable places and spaces that remain relevant through the shifts of demographics and economics.
With an Architectural and Urban Planning degree from the Faculdade de Arquitetura & Urbanismo at University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Damaris moved to the Unites States of America in 2006 and has since become a Registered Architect, a LEED accredited professional and holds a NCARB certificate.
Through her work at Design By Melo, Damaris uses design to tip the scales in the favor of the underinvested and marginalized. With vibrancy and grace, Damaris is poised to expand the reach of inclusive architecture as a way to promote social justice and to beautify all communities. Her design solutions are deeply rooted in the people it serves, while responding to both community values and economic realities. Her resiliency inspires all around her to be productive and stay engaged.
Nadine Saint-Louis is a licensed architect registered in the states of New York and Florida. Her passion for architecture began at a very young age when she first visited Manhattan and was completely mesmerized. As she explored the city, her gaze never strayed from the Manhattan skyline and from that moment on, she never looked back… Architecture captured her.
Nadine holds a Master of Architecture Degree from Florida International University and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from New York Institute of Technology. She has had over fourteen years of experience designing residential homes throughout Long Island for the award-winning office of Paul Russo Architect, PC and is now exploring commercial architecture under the leadership and guidance of the award-winning office of MCHarry Associates. In addition to working in a firm, Nadine is an Adjunct professor at Florida International University teaching Design1 and Design2 and Comprehensive Design architectural courses.
Nadine’s passion for architecture, desire to make a difference and determination to succeed are the driving force behind every design decision she makes. No matter what it takes she will get it done.
Nadine’s professional memberships include the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. In addition, she is the Immediate Past President of the National Organization of Minority Architects of South Florida and Co-Chairs of the AIA Miami Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
The Engage Committee actively connects architecture with broader societal issues, ensuring that community engagement, design justice, and advocacy are central to architectural practice. By empowering communities and advocating for equitable policies, it positions architects as leaders in creating a more just built environment.
The ENGAGE pillar is dedicated to amplifying NOMA’s impact through design justice, community collaboration, and policy advocacy. As the action-oriented arm of the organization, the Engage Committee activates architects as agents of change—bridging architectural practice with social equity, civic empowerment, and cultural responsibility.
This pillar is grounded in three strategic pillars—the 3Rs: Resources, Relationships, and Representation—which guide the work of its three core subcommittees:
● Design Justice Initiatives (DJI) advances systems-based frameworks that address power, land, labor, and environmental equity in design. The subcommittee develops the Design Justice Toolkit, Equitable Engagement Framework, and policy briefs that inform how architects engage with critical justice-centered issues.
● Community Design Roundtable (CDR) provides practical tools and templates to democratize the design process. Through local design workshops, Benefits Toolkits, and design literacy guides, the CDR helps chapters and communities co-create solutions to neighborhood challenges.
● Organizing & Advocacy Roundtable (O&A) elevates NOMA’s presence in policy spaces by equipping members with advocacy training, civic engagement strategies, and partnerships. Through speaker coaching, advocacy toolkits, and national platforms, this subcommittee positions architects to shape just and inclusive development.
Together, these initiatives ensure that NOMA members are not only designing for communities—but alongside them. From leading community design workshops to advancing zoning reform, the ENGAGE platform positions architects as civic leaders, equity advocates, and champions of inclusive design.
By supporting the Engage Committee, NOMA strengthens its voice in shaping policy, uplifting community vision, and building an architectural future rooted in justice.
Telicious Robinson, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED GA is a Project Manager and Medical Planner based in Washington, D.C., with over 13 years of professional experience spanning healthcare, higher education, residential, commercial, industrial, and civic architecture. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Telicious holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Architecture from Kent State University and Bowling Green State University, and a Master of Architecture from Boston Architectural College. Her academic and professional path reflects a commitment to both technical excellence and social impact in the built environment.
Her work is deeply rooted in advancing equitable healthcare design, centering patient and community experiences—particularly for underserved populations. Telicious’s project experience ranges from outpatient clinics and surgical centers to oncology units and imaging suites—spaces where she integrates evidence-based strategies and cultural responsiveness into design.
Telicious currently serves as Vice President of the DC chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), where she leads member engagement and programming that uplifts Black and Brown voices in architecture. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Kent State University and faculty advisor to the NOMAS student chapter, mentoring emerging designers in both professional development and advocacy.
In 2024, Telicious was selected as one of 20 members of the highly competitive second cohort of AIA’s Next to Lead program, chosen from over 130 applicants nationwide. The program is a national initiative designed to support racially and ethnically diverse women in architecture and remove barriers to leadership within the profession and the AIA.
She has spoken on numerous panels at NOMA national conferences, contributing to discussions around healthcare equity, licensure, and the advancement of Black women in design. Telicious considers every opportunity to serve, teach, and design a step toward shaping a more just and inclusive built environment.
Christa Stoneham is the President and CEO of the Houston Land Bank (HLB), where she leads one of the nation’s most ambitious efforts to convert vacant, underutilized land into affordable housing and thriving community spaces. Under her leadership, HLB is activating over $100 million in land assets, with a focus on advancing sustainable, inclusive development and addressing critical urban challenges like housing affordability, environmental resilience, and equitable infrastructure.
With over 15 years of experience in architecture, urban planning, and public sector leadership, Christa has raised more than $50 million across her career for community-centered investments. At HLB, she spearheaded the Finding Home Initiative, expanded affordable housing access, and secured $5.5 million in EPA funding for brownfield redevelopment. She also directs legislative strategy, oversees operational reform, and manages public-private partnerships across city and state agencies.
Previously, she served in the City of Houston’s Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities, where she guided over 600 projects benefiting 20,000 residents, built Houston’s first municipal workflow management system, and reformed policy barriers across housing, procurement, and development regulations.
A proud three-time graduate of Prairie View A&M University, Christa holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Master of Architecture, and a Master of Community Development. She currently serves on the boards of the Center for Community Progress and AIA Houston Foundation, and holds national leadership positions with the National Brownfields Coalition and the National Organization of Minority Architects.
Named one of Houston’s Top 40 Under 40 and recognized as the youngest CEO to lead a land bank in the United States, Christa is widely celebrated for her dynamic leadership and commitment to systems-level change. Her passion lies in transforming policy, land, and power structures to create generational wealth and wellness in historically underserved communities.
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