Representation in any field is crucial to the success of marginalized groups. Being a woman of color in architecture means being doubted, ignored, and discredited. It is our duty to stand together and to find figures who have paved the path for STEM women to succeed.

In NAAB curriculum, BIPOC and LGBTQ architects and designers are completely obliterated from history. As the narrative architecture history revolves around straight white men, ASTERISK aims to highlight these forgotten figures, some of whom have been wronged or discredited by these architecture "gods". Along with 3 other passionate students, I founded this initiative in Woodbury University. To challenge the norm is to disrupt the curriculum as it stands. In our bi-weekly student-led lectures and discussions, we highlight a historical or current architect, artist, or designer who is otherwise ignored. We aim to give a space to those who never had the chance in the spotlight. 

Norma Merrick Sklarek was one of the first black women in America to become a licensed Architect. She had absolutely no representation in her field, which consisted entirely of white men. Her resilience helped her succeed as a project manager in many different firms. However, she was put only as a project manager so as to never interact with the clients. Though she designed many of the projects, she was never able to reveal her face to the clients.

Similarly, Paul Revere Williams was one of the first black architects in America. His talents led him to firms where he would design the building, but would be unable to enter the completed structure due to segregation. Paul Revere Williams also adopted the habit of standing with his hands clasped behind his back so as to prevent his white clients from feeling obligated to shake his hand. Noting their discomfort in sitting next to a black man, he learned to draw upside down so as to prevent this situation. 

Stories like those of these two architects motivate me to continue my initiative and to disrupt the practice of architecture as we have known it for too long.