America’s Hidden Gem (TM)

Hi readers! It’s #FutureArchitectFriday. A day to celebrate those pushing themselves to becoming licensed architects.

Name:

Nehemie Souverain 

 

Hometown:

Elmont, NY

 

Educational Status:

BARCH Graduate

 

How would you describe your experience as a Black Architecture student?

It was a great learning experience, I learned so much about myself, and how much I was able to take. 

 

Why do you want to get your license?

I want to get licensed because I want to show those that come after me that this goal is obtainable.

 

Biggest inspiration/influence?

God first and My parents. My parents each came to America and built a life for themselves. They have created the opportunity for me to go to school and were the ones who pointed me towards architecture when they saw the creativity within me. 

 

How important is representation?

Representation is very important. While in college and after college I realized that there weren’t many African Americans in our profession. I could count on my fingers how many African Americans were in my graduating class. The following fall ( Fall 2017) my job sent me and a few other women to AIA’s  Women Leadership Summit. While I was there  learned about and met other African American women in our field and all the great things that they were doing, as well as about National Organization Of Minority Architects (NOMA). I then joined New York’s New York Coalition of Black Architects/ National Organization Of Minority Architects (Nycoba/NOMA) chapter and it has connected me to an amazing network of architects and designers in our field. 

 

Favorite quote/poem/song/etc.?

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:13 

This verse has taught me to not be focused on statistics to get me down, but to look to God and keep going forward in my career. That He will place me around those who inspire me and show me that our career is achievable, and I can do the same for those who come after me.