FR35 Riding the Vortex: African-American Women Architects in Practice 05/16/2008, 8:15 AM - 9:45 AM Learning Units: 1.50-Entry level Training Units: 0.375-Training Area 15 (Office Management) The number of African-American women practicing architecture is increasing exponentially but the aggregate number is so low that this phenomenon is barely perceptible by the profession and the public. This session will examine the causes for the situation as well as the reasons the rate of increase is greater than it is for other groups within the profession. The session will also highlight the positive impacts resulting from increased gender and cultural diversity within architecture firms. Learning Objectives: Review the cultural and socioeconomic factors contributing to the current number of African-American women architects and why the numbers are increasing exponentially Analyze successful models for providing professional development and mentoring opportunities for women and minority architects that firms and individuals can incorporate into their business, training, and mentoring practices Discuss how the increasing diversity of the profession contributes to the improvement of architecture firms and of the profession as a whole Speakers: Kathy Denise Dixon, AIA, NOMA, LEEP AP; Barbara G. Laurie, AIA, NOMA; Kathryn Prigmore, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP; and Katherine Williams, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED AP Provider: University of Cincinnati Center for the Study of Practice FR35 Friday, 8:15-9:45 a.m.