I was in my mid-thirty’s when I was introduced to leadership in the National Organization of Minority Architects. I was mentored by some of the most historic and accomplished design professionals this nation has known, though many lived in anonymity to the world that ignored their talents and genius. Though the world refused to see them, they made it clear that they saw me, and in me they saw something of value. Because of their trust and guidance, and with their unwavering support, I served seven years in national leadership, including two as the national President, before I turned 40. My successor was younger than me. I believe that my youthful energy and vision served the organization well.
As President-elect, I have two primary responsibilities. The first is to continue chairing the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) committee, espousing the values of our profession: to ensure that we work to achieve social, political, racial, and economic justice in our communities, across our Commonwealth, and throughout our nation.
The second, even more important responsibility, is to chair the Nominating Committee. Like the elders of NOMA, I believe my responsibility is to identify and mentor new bold younger members to take the mantle of leadership and build AIAVA into an even more vibrant and enduring source of good for our profession and our nation. I need you.
Today, I am much older, slightly wiser, but certainly less energetic. Though my eyes are not as strong, I still have a vision. I see the AIA as an organization of great potential for impacting our profession and our communities. But my vision is not of my accomplishments or dreams; it is a vision of you taking command, exerting leadership, and molding the Institute into a more dynamic, engaged, and relevant organization with an agenda that impacts the social, political, and cultural climate of our nation, our Commonwealth and your communities. My goal is to set the table for you to come and sit, dine and discuss how we make the AIA, AIA Virginia, and our components do the good that is important to you and your future. I need your input. I need your ideas. I need your leadership. I need your voices, your hands, and your heart. I need your commitment.
With this email, I am inviting you to share your vision for AIA Virginia. Whatever you see the AIA becoming, whatever causes you think we should champion, whatever path you believe we should take, please let me know. More importantly, tell me what you are willing to do to make it happen. If AIA Virginia is to survive and thrive. it will be because of your engagement and your leadership. Like the heroes of my past, I trust you to take this beyond the limits of our imagination. You are trained in creative thinking, rooted in the technology of hope. Let’s plan our future, your future, for AIA Virginia.
Robert L. Easter, NOMAC, FAIA
Chair, Department of Architecture
School of Engineering & Technology
Hampton University
Hampton, Virginia 23668
Robert.Easter@Hamptonu.edu
(757) 727-5440 (office)
(804) 307-6836 (cell)