Samantha is an Associate Professional and current Educator, currently in pursuit of licensure. She has always had a curious approach to the world around her, which led her to study architecture. She graduated with her Master of Architecture from Florida International University and a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida. After graduation, she worked at architecture firms, gaining invaluable experience. While she deals with challenges, she continues in pursuit of her architecture license. She enjoys giving of her time and energy to help others, namely, mentorship and volunteering. Some of her interests include sustainability, healthcare design, and cycling. In 2023, she restarted the Architecture club at Miami Dade College’s North Campus where she continues to encourage students to get involved within their communities. Samantha is a current AIA Associate member and sits on the AIA Miami Board as Miami Dade College School of Architecture representative. After licensure, Samantha hopes to use her registration to broaden her professional abilities.
Nancy de La Vega, a South Florida native, holds a Master of Architecture from Florida International University and is a LEED Green Associate. After relocating to Fort Myers, Nancy joined her local AIA chapter as a volunteer for the Architecture in Education program, providing hands-on lessons in architecture for 4th and 5th grade students. Her dedication led her to the AIA Florida Southwest Board of Directors, holding a position as Associate Director for several years and earning her the AIA Florida Southwest President’s Award in 2021 and 2022. Nancy has also served as chapter Secretary and assumed the role of President in 2023. As Associate Director, Nancy revitalized the chapter’s ARE study group, conducting a firm-crawl style monthly event at firms across the area, fostering engagement among members and assisting those on the path to licensure. She also updated the chapter’s Exam Resource Library, offering the latest study materials to chapter members at no cost. Beyond her professional contributions, Nancy demonstrated her commitment to her community during Hurricane Ian’s aftermath, aiding in debris clearing and distributing disaster recovery donations. She has since served as an advocate for legislation impacting the profession, emphasizing the significance of resilient design and construction.
Teri Watson is an Architectural Designer and Project Manager practicing in Miami, Florida. She received her Master’s in Architecture from Florida International University as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Studies from Florida A&M University.
For the past seven years, she has played the role of Project Manager and Architectural Designer for high-end commercial and residential projects. Since 2016, Teri has gained direct experience with construction documents and project approval processes with various firms throughout Miami. She is also the owner of YEN STUDIO. Teri is a member of AIA Miami, South Florida NOMA, and the founder of The Neighborhood Architects.
Marsha J. McDonald is an architectural designer and researcher. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in the Built Environment at Caribbean School of Architecture, University of Technology, Jamaica and her professional Master of Architecture at Florida International University, FL where she began her pre-doctoral studies on the role of culture and community in the Architecture. Marsha was a former professor at Florida International University and was a part of the inaugural design arts team at Young Arts Foundation, Miami, FL. After decades as a consultant, Marsha is pursuing her license to focus on multi-cultural and multi-generational design in housing and hospitality.
She is a mother and mentor to youth as they pursue their life and professional goals. Her educational events include Diversity in Design Arts & Architecture (DIDA), an annual event for established and emerging architects and future design professionals of all ages. DIDA’s past themes included, “The Black Aesthetics” (2016), Women of Influence” (2019) “Caribbean Resiliency” (2020-present). She participates as a guest critic for studios, career days and is the creator of seminars and exhibits such as “Caribbean Culinary Museum” (2018-2020) and “Caribbean Spaces” (FIU exhibit) (2013) reflecting her advocacy for the awareness of architectural contributions of diverse and underrepresented communities.
Malcolm Jones is an Emerging Professional, that is currently in pursuit of his architectural license as an employee of Scott & Cormia Architecture + Interiors. He graduated with his Masters of Architecture in May of 2018 from Florida International University. Malcolm has also acquired a position as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida’s CityLab (School of Architecture – Graduate Program).
Along with being a father of two beautiful children and a loving husband, he is also heavily involved in multiple progressive community-based activities and organizations inside and outside the profession. Malcolm’s involvement spans through NOMA Orlando, AIA Orlando chapter, Young Architects Forum Orlando, the Orlando Foundation for Architecture, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., and as the Chair of Black Architect’s in the Making – Orlando.
Lastly, Malcolm is a member of the 2020 Cohort of graduates of AIA’s Jacob Leadership Institute. Through this program he has developed critical and vital leadership skills that he applies in the workplace, organizationally, and in daily life experiences.
Throughout the life of his professional career he ultimately desires to mentor and to create opportunities for young boys and girls of color that would benefit themselves, and their families for the future.