The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee works to promote and develop strategies to increase the numbers of professionals of color to align with population proportions and to improve their experiences within the profession. We are also committed to advancing the leadership of women within the industry and profession. We hold that our environment must be developed with the experiences of diverse professionals.

RESOURCES 
EDUCATION:

• DEI Foundations/workshops 
  • Pittsburgh’s EDI committee has established DEI Foundations/ workshops for firms to receive training. 
  • Topics available | Foundations ED&I; Implicit Bias; White Fragility 
  • Forthcoming Topics: Onboarding & Welcoming; Civility
  • Contact Tiffany Castagno via info@aiapgh.org.  Use this link for more information.

SUPPORT: 

• EDI Initiatives in the state are varied with different focuses and target groups. 
• Full ongoing document for view:  EDI Initiatives around Pennsylvania 

AIA PA BUILDING FUTURES PROGRAM (New Initiative for 2025) 
This program will provide high school students who attended a NOMA Project Pipeline summer camp with a shadowing opportunity to explore architecture and design. Participants will attend the NOMA National Conference in Kansas City (Oct 8-12, 2025), accompanied by a parent or guardian, to experience networking, professional workshops, and exposure to career pathways in the industry.

The goals of the program are:

• Empower students: Offer the students exposure to architecture and design professionals through the conference and shadowing opportunities.
• Strengthen Connections: Build long-term mentorship opportunities by pairing students with architects at the conference.
• Increase representation: Encourage diverse representation by advancing the pipeline for underrepresented students.

More information about applying for this program will be posted when available.

October 2025 EDI Calendar

Global Diversity Awareness Month: An awareness month with the goal of promoting respect toward various cultures. Learn more at: https://thediversitymovement.com/global-diversity-awareness-month/

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: This awareness month aims to advocate for individuals with disabilities and their inclusion in the workforce. Learn more at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women; this month seeks to boost awareness of the disease. Learn more at: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/

National Polish American Heritage Month: A month selected to honor those with Polish heritage. Learn more at: https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/proclamation-5548-polish-american-heritage-month-1986

October 1 to 2 – Yom Kippur: Jewish Day of Atonement. The holiest day of the Jewish year is observed with strict fasting and ceremonial repentance. Learn more at: https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4687/jewish/Yom-Kippur-2025.htm

October 6 – World Architecture Day: First Monday of the month. Learn more at: https://www.uia-architectes.org/en/architecture-events/world-architecture-days/ 

October 9 – Indigenous People’s Day: This day honors the indigenous people of the United States; the holiday coincides with Columbus Day. Learn more at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day

October 10 – World Mental Health Day: A day that advocates for mental health awareness and education; on this day, you can support the efforts by reflecting on your own biases regarding mental health and advocating against social stigma related to it. Learn more at: https://wmhdofficial.com/

October 14 – ­Defender of Ukraine Day: This day celebrates those who have fought for the freedom of Ukraine. Learn more at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defenders_Day_(Ukraine)

October 16 – Spirit Day: This day is aimed specifically at LGBTQ youth and what their community can do to support them. You can participate in this day by wearing purple and speaking out against bullying. Learn more at: https://glaad.org/spiritday/

 October 20  – Diwali: This Festival of Lights in the Hindu faith is a time when different deities are praised. It symbolizes the fight for good over evil. Learn more at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali