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Chapter Members, I would like to begin by sharing some reflections on the recent triumph of our 2024 Architecture Gala. It was an evening filled with celebration, inspiration, and a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence in the architectural community here in El Paso. First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of this year’s gala. Your exceptional creativity, innovation, and dedication have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on our industry. Your achievements serve as a testament to the remarkable talent and ingenuity within our architectural community. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Marcel Wisznia for his invaluable contributions as the juror for the event. Mr. Wisznia’s expertise and discerning eye played a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and rigor of the judging process. His dedication to fostering excellence in architecture is truly commendable, and we are immensely grateful for his involvement. As we bask in the success of the gala, it is also a time for us to look towards the future and consider how we can build upon this momentum to further advance our profession. One key area of focus is increasing awareness of architecture within our local community. I want to share my excitement and appreciation for our recent Leadership Summit in Austin. It was an exceptional event that left me with invaluable insights, particularly from our keynote speaker, Kimberly N. Dowdell, AIA. Ms. Dowdell’s discussion on leadership in architecture resonated deeply with our collective mission. Her emphasis on local, state, and national impact has sparked ideas on how we can enhance our practices right here in El Paso. As we digest the knowledge gained from our peers across Texas, I am committed to reaching out to our counterparts in other communities to gather information on how we can increase awareness of architecture in El Paso. This includes advocating for our profession and stopping illegal practices by educating the community on the importance of using licensed professionals for their projects. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, we can elevate the architectural landscape in El Paso and ensure the integrity of our profession. Together, let’s harness the power of this summit to drive positive change in our beloved city. By leveraging the knowledge and experiences shared at events like the Leadership Summit and the Architecture Gala, we can collectively work towards enhancing the architectural landscape in our city and beyond. Once again, congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 Architecture Gala, and thank you to Marcel Wisznia for his exemplary leadership. I am confident that together, we will continue to achieve great things and make a lasting impact on the world of architecture. Thank you all for your dedication and enthusiasm. Sincerely, Rida Asfahani, AIA
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