STATEMENT

My Friends, my colleagues, mi gente -

It’s an honor to stand before you today - not just as an architect, not just as a leader, but as someone who is invested in the future of our profession and believes in the power of action. I don’t wait for change—I make it happen.

But first, I will start with a bit of transparency. Today, I’m fully immersed in this summit, wanting to shake hands, listen, and engage in conversations that will define the future of our profession. Yet yesterday, I had to split my time to my Howard University Health & Wellness students who are leading the way in creating the first HBCU Healthcare Architecture Certificate program – a four-year long dream, finally coming true. These brilliant, passionate young designers—our future—are facing their mid-term exams, and after weeks of being sidelined due to administrative barriers beyond my control, it is my duty to support them at this time.

I’m sharing this because this isn’t just about teaching a class. It’s about what I believe leadership looks like. It’s about showing up, not just when it’s convenient, but when it matters most. It’s about doing the hard work to ensure that this profession is ready for the next generation—that the future is strong, that the doors are open, and that architecture truly belongs to all of us, and our communities are served by the best of us.

So now, for those who don’t know me, I’m Yiselle Santos Rivera—an architect, medical planner, small business owner, HR certified professional, leadership psychology doctoral student, and advocate. I’ve dedicated my entire career to advancing new ideas in practice and working within AIA to elevate our industry. I started right here in DC with my local AIA chapter, later serving at the national level – beginning with the National Associates Committee, then unto the Strategic Council and associate representative one the AIA 2020 National Board. Now, I’m running for AIA 2026 President-Elect to be your 2027 President because I believe leadership should be about showing up and it should be about action—not just about words.

We are builders of the future. We shape the spaces where people live, heal, and thrive. Yet, too many architects feel unheard. Too many firms struggle to stay profitable. Too many young professionals are leaving the industry because they don’t see a future.

For years, we’ve talked about the same challenges:

  • Firms facing profit erosion due to late payments and low fees.

  • Emerging architects burdened by a slow and outdated licensure process.

  • Sustainability remaining out of reach for many firms and clients due to financial constraints.

These issues aren’t new—but our response has been too slow. We need leadership that moves past discussion and into action.

That’s why I’m running—to ensure AIA is a force for real solutions.

To protect firm profitability, I will:

  • Advocate to strengthen contract protections so architects are paid fairly and on time.

  • Push for policies that prevent underbidding from devaluing our profession.

  • Expand AIA-backed business tools to help firms navigate economic challenges.

To accelerate career success, I will:

  • Forge deeper partnerships with NCARB in the establishing of an AIA-supported apprenticeship pathway to get architects licensed faster.

  • Strengthen mentorship networks to provide real career advancement.

  • Secure workforce training grants so firms can invest in their teams without financial strain.

To make sustainability an accessible priority, I will:

  • Advance policies that make sustainable design accessible and profitable.

  • Advocate for real tax incentives for firms prioritizing climate-conscious architecture.

  • Ensure AIA leads the charge on sustainability, rather than reacting to outside forces.

These aren’t just ideas—I’ve spent my career turning initiatives into impact. And I’m ready to bring that drive to AIA’s national leadership.

AIA Must Build a Future Where Everyone Belongs.

This is our moment. We can’t afford to wait for change—we must lead it.

With my leadership, we will:

  • Strengthen firm profitability with better contracts and financial support.

  • Accelerate career success through licensure reform and mentorship that works for all of us, not just some of us.

  • Champion sustainability with financial incentives that benefit both architects and communities.

  • Make AIA a leader in shaping industry policy, not just an observer.

This isn’t just about today—it’s about the future of our profession. It’s about ensuring that every architect, firm, and emerging leader has the resources and support they need to thrive.

As someone who has spent her career breaking barriers—not just for myself, but for those who come after me. I know what it means to build pathways where none exist.

And as your 2027 AIA President, I will fight for you—so you can focus on your work without worrying about your future.

Let’s stop waiting for change.

Vote for leadership that delivers.

Let’s design for impact, and leader for change.

Let’s build a Future Ready AIA – together!