Founder, Public Design for Equity

Shalini Agrawal is trained as an architect and brings over 20 years of experience in community-engaged practice and pedagogy. She is co-director of Pathways to Equity, a design leadership program for social equity, and FIELD Design Network, a forum that builds capacity for underrepresented designers. She is Associate Professor in Diversity Studies at California College of the Arts and teaches at the intersection of design and community engagement. Shalini is a board member of Association for Community Design, and Architects, Designers, Planners for Social Responsibility and is a contributing author to Design for Democracy: Techniques for Collective Creativity and Public Interest Design Education Guidebook.

Project Manager, SmithGroup and Founder, 400 Forward

Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Master of Architecture, and a Master of Business Administration from Lawrence Technological University. Currently employed at SmithGroup’s Detroit office and faculty at her alma mater’s College of Architecture and Design, Tiffany has spearheaded raising awareness on how representation makes a significant social impact on firm practice, culture, and education. Her expertise stems from first-hand experiences of addressing environmental injustices and social issues. recently featured in AIA+Architect Magazine and Architectural Record for her efforts in EDI, rethinking architecture education for the traditionally underserved also plays a large role in her career.

Community Engagement Manager, International Living Future Institute

Shawn oversees the volunteer Ambassador program with nearly 1,000 participants worldwide, and conducts training, and public presentations on all of ILFI’s programs.

Shawn has over 13 years of project experience with LEED, the Living Building Challenge, and net zero energy projects. He has consulted with Fortune 500 companies and policy makers at all levels of government on issues related to sustainability, social equity, and green jobs.

As a volunteer, he has co-authored Social Equity Pilot Credits for LEED, and is Vice President of Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility, working to promote human rights through design.

He is NCARB Certified, Living Future Accredited, LEED Accredited BD+C and O+M specialties, and has trained in adult education, charrette facilitation, racial equity, and regenerative development.

Director of Creative Engagement, Payette

Karen leads the external engagement strategy at Payette, having developed staff on-boarding programs, a clear voice for the firm and strategies for success. With experience in graphic design, Karen plays a critical role in managing the firm’s brand identity. Karen leads the dialogue in Boston about how firms can integrate social media strategy into their business development goals. Karen is a member of the AIA COTE Communications Task Force and leads the BSA’s Equity Roundtable.