Director of Integrated Design, McCarthy Building Companies

Stefanie’s passion for bringing a creative approach to all parts of the project process results in deeply collaborative, thoughtful leadership for project teams and non-profit organizations.  As Director of Integrated Design at McCarthy Building Companies, she is currently working on the Design Phase of an Integrated Project Delivery laboratory building for Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, OR. A registered Architect with 30 years of professional experience, she is a leader in the design and construction community with strong management, design and marketing capabilities. In practice, Stefanie has successfully developed and maintained client relationships, pursued and won several high-profile commissions, and managed large, highly technical projects that were long-term, complex endeavors. A skilled facilitator, Stefanie has been commended for her ability to keep complex processes moving forward, even when faced with enormous challenges.

Heller Manus Architects

Je'Nen M. Chastain, Assoc. AIA, LEED GA is a Designer with Heller Manus Architects in San Francisco, and an MBA candidate at the Mills College Graduate School of Business and Public Policy. A connector of people, ideas, and opportunities, Je'Nen has advanced positive transformation within the field of architecture through her work with the AIA, design firms, nonprofits, and small businesses alike. Her portfolio includes a range of problem solving typologies, including architectural design and strategic business planning. As Chair of the AIA Center for Civic Leadership, Je’Nen developed the re-imagined AIA Leadership Institute, sparking renewed focused on the importance of leadership training in an architect’s career. Her volunteer service has supported the career development of hundreds of emerging professionals. Je’Nen is a 2016-17 Career Grantee of the AAUW, a recipient of the AIA California Council Associates Award, and a Past President of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS).

Principal, EQUINOX Design and Development

Julia Donoho, AIA, Esq., is an architect and attorney with experience designing corporate facilities and skyscrapers, running a small design practice with commercial and custom residential clients, and as project manager contracting government work including major energy and justice projects. This diverse experience, north and south, gives her a broad base to represent California architects. Ms. Donoho has served on various committees of the Los Angeles AIA, AIACC, AIA Redwood Empire – most recently as 2012 President of AIARE, and has received various citations and awards, including a 2011 AIACC Presidential Citation. She received her Bachelor’s and M.Arch from Princeton University. 

Director of Capital Planning, University at Buffalo

Adjunct Professor, UB School of Architecture & Planning

Kelly Hayes McAlonie, FAIA, has dedicated her career to educational architecture and advancing gender equity. In 2011 Kelly and Despina Stratigakos collaborated with Mattel on the design and launch of Barbie I Can Be…Architect. She speaks widely about leadership in architecture and managing a disability in the workplace. Her 2013 Buffalo TEDx talk, The Power Dress has received over 7200 views. She was 2012 President of AIA New York State and 2008 President of AIA Buffalo/WNY. Currently, she serves on the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation Advisory Board and is Vice-Chair of the Buffalo Architecture Center. She writes and speaks regularly on Louise Bethune, FAIA, America’s first professional woman architect. In 2011 she co-curated the first exhibit on Bethune and is currently writing a book on Bethune’s life and career.