TOPIC 1 | KEYNOTE: THE BLACK SPACE PROJECT

Our Empower Design Keynote Speaker, Charles Davis II is associate professor of Architectural history and Director of the Architecture PhD program at the UT Austin School of Architecture. He will be speaking about the Black Space Project and its mission to bring the contributions of non-licenced Black people to the built environment.

TOPIC I | WILLIAM MERRIWEATHER PENA EXHIBIT

Sarah Gould is the Executive Director of the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute (MACRI), an emerging museum based in San Antonio that is working to showcase the history of the Mexican American civil rights movement.  She will be speaking about William Merriweather Peña who served in WWII, became a licensed Architect designing notable buildings such as the Institute of Texan Cultures, and writing influential books on Architectural Programming.

TOPIC II | NALCAB HOMECOMING

The National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) supports Latino communities by providing resources, funding, training and policy advocacy to its network of members.  Levar Martin, NALCAB Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, and Gerardo Gandy and Cristina Ziegler from Gensler will be speaking about the design of NALCAB’s new headquarters which brings the organization back to Downtown San Antonio.

TOPIC II | NALCAB HOMECOMING

The National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) supports Latino communities by providing resources, funding, training and policy advocacy to its network of members.  Levar Martin, NALCAB Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, and Gerardo Gandy and Cristina Ziegler from Gensler will be speaking about the design of NALCAB’s new headquarters which brings the organization back to Downtown San Antonio.

TOPIC II | NALCAB HOMECOMING

The National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) supports Latino communities by providing resources, funding, training and policy advocacy to its network of members.  Levar Martin, NALCAB Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, and Gerardo Gandy and Cristina Ziegler from Gensler will be speaking about the design of NALCAB’s new headquarters which brings the organization back to Downtown San Antonio.

TOPIC II | COMPLEX FOLD

Ricky D. Reyes is an Architect, Artist, Author, Tejano/Native American Historian and Genealogist. He recently displayed his art piece consisting of a 21’ steel, eagle feather titled, “Honoring Our Ancestors” at the AIA San Antonio NEXO Exhibition. Presentation will center on bringing the spiritual & intangible into balance in modern Architecture.

“We, Architects are the molder and shapers of the future of mankind. We work in collaboration with Nature’s four elements: Fire, Land, Water and Wind. If we don’t protect and work with these four elements: We are headed in a wrong direction, We will suffer, We are doomed!”

TOPIC III | ADVANCING AFFORDABILITY THROUGH EQUITABLE ENGAGEMENT

Seema Kairam is a Senior Real Estate Development Manager for the San Antonio Housing Trust. Through an interactive session blending local case studies, data-driven insights, and facilitated dialogue, participants will gain a deeper understanding of San Antonio’s current housing dynamics and the systemic factors driving displacement and injustice.

TOPIC III | ADVANCING AFFORDABILITY THROUGH EQUITABLE ENGAGEMENT

Siboney Diaz Sanchez is the Community Engagement Administrator for the City of San Antonio's Neighborhood and Housing Services Department. Through an interactive session blending local case studies, data-driven insights, and facilitated dialogue, participants will gain a deeper understanding of San Antonio’s current housing dynamics and the systemic factors driving displacement and injustice.

TOPIC III | ADVANCING AFFORDABILITY THROUGH EQUITABLE ENGAGEMENT

Paola Aguirre Serrano in an Urban Designer and Partner at Borderless Studio. Through an interactive session blending local case studies, data-driven insights, and facilitated dialogue, participants will gain a deeper understanding of San Antonio’s current housing dynamics and the systemic factors driving displacement and injustice.

TOPIC III | ADVANCING AFFORDABILITY THROUGH EQUITABLE ENGAGEMENT

Paola Fernandez is an Urban Planner and Community Engagement Specialist. Through an interactive session blending local case studies, data-driven insights, and facilitated dialogue, participants will gain a deeper understanding of San Antonio’s current housing dynamics and the systemic factors driving displacement and injustice.

Gabriella Bermea, AIA, NOMA is a first-generation architect and education design leader raised on the Texas–Mexico border. A Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman in Austin, she leads high-impact K–12 projects and pairs practice with public mentorship—sharing candid guidance on licensure, leadership, project management, and career strategy through digital platforms and community work. Holding national leadership roles with AIA, NCARB, and ICC, her focus is access, visibility, and building a profession where more people can see themselves, thrive, and lead.

Jason John Paul Haskins is an affordable housing architect and Director of Construction and Design at Foundation Communities, as well as the Principal Architect and Founder of Habitavit. His work focuses on human dignity, participatory design, sustainable building longevity, and trauma‑informed design across diverse housing and institutional projects. He also researches and writes on liturgy, architecture, and history through his blog Locus Iste.