#MOYAtalks
By Moya Design Partners
#MOYAtalksAug 04, 2021
#MOYATalk -Braulio Diaz
MoyaTalks is no ordinary series. Our guests always bring their A-game, and the conversations are insightful and thought-inducing, and this edition was no exception. Braulio Diaz talked about his musical career, producing over 50 albums, opening doors and opportunities for other musicians, and the drive and passion that makes him keep going. However, what nobody expected is that Braulio premiered live his newest song. MOYATalks is full of surprises! Thank you, Braulio.
MOYATalk - Catalina Sol
We were fortunate to host Catalina Sol, Executive Director of La Clinica del Pueblo, for our 4th installment of MoyaTalks Hispanic Heritage Series. Catalina shared her background and her experience in an extraordinary organization as La Clinica Del Pueblo. We had a profound and insightful conversation on community health, intersectionality, and the specific challenges of the Latino community. Thank you, Catalina; we learned so much with you!
#MOYATalks - Myrna Peralta
As part of our Hispanic Heritage Series, we had the pleasure of having Myrna Peralta, President and CEO of CentroNía, who shared her story and unique life philosophy. Myrna talked about Vice President Kamala Harris' visit to CentroNia; and the challenges of running a fantastic organization that provides much-needed affordable child care and education to hundreds of families. Thank you, Myrna, for this fun and teaching talk!
#MOYATalk - Evelin Urrutia
For the second installment of our Hispanic Heritage #MOYATalks Series we had the chance to talk with Evelin Urrutia, Executive Director at Tetants & Workers United. Evelin gave us a glimpse of the work TWU has done for over 35 years in Arlandria-Chirilagua helping a unique community overcome challenges and build strong ties of collaboration. Thank you Evelin, for an honest and eye-opening conversation.
#MOYATalk - Manuel Valencia
Kicking off our Hispanic Heritage #MOYAtalks series, we had the honor to have Manuel F. Valencia, founder and partner of CONNECTIVE Agency. Manuel shared his life story and work experience as a Hispanic business man and recognized the effort and hard work Hispanic people put on offering their families a better life and opportunities. We had a great, candid conversation about diversity, empathy, and representation. Finally, he talked about the great work his company does and the importance of collectivity and partnership to impact positively on our communities. We can't thank you enough, Manny!
#MOYATalks - Gloria A. Nauden
For our Design, Development and Economic Opportunities #MOYAtalks series, we’ve had a pleasure to have Gloria Nauden, the VP of Marketing & Communications at City First Bank. Gloria is an incredible speaker and shared some insights into her entrepreneurial experience, the drive behind her projects, and how her African-American and Korean heritage helped shape her approach to work and business. Thank you, Gloria, it was an amazing talk!
#MOYAtalks: Koube Ngaaje
As a part of our Black History Month #MOYAtalks series, we had the pleasure of hosting a talk with an extraordinary guest, Koube Ngaaje, Executive Director at the District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH).
Koube talked about her work, personal experiences and shared some advice for women in leadership. We would like to thank Koube once again for joining us and supporting our initiative!
#MoyaTalks: Carmen Romero
As a part of our Women History Month #MOYAtalks series, we had a privilege of hosting a talk with Carmen Romero, the Executive Vice President at Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH).
Carmen talked about growing up as a second-generation Colombian immigrant in New York, and her parents’ efforts to offer her an Ivy League education. We talked about her early career in the hospitality industry and in commercial real estate management.
More importantly, Carmen shared her story at the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, joining first to test the waters and falling in love with the job and its challenges. She kindly elaborated in her duties and work as APAH Executive Vice President and APAH’s methods for acquisition and development of affordable housing, the partnerships they develop and the organization’s extensive community outreach.
Carmen offered her insight on APAH’s approach to affordability and equitable development in the region, and talked about the deep inequities of the region’s housing market. It was a great conversation.
All our gratitude Carmen!
#MoyaTalks: Ivy Dench-Carter
As a part of our Women History Months #MOYAtalks, we were fortunate to have a conversation with Ivy Dench-Carter, Senior Vice President of Development of Pennrose. Ivy was a fantastic guest, and the fact that she battled through tornado-related difficulties to join the conversation was simply priceless. It was a great way to end our Women History Month Series.
Ivy has shared with us her experience of working on affordable housing projects (in 30 years with Pennrose Ivy participated in the development of approximately 2,400 affordable housing units); the most challenging projects in her career; the challenges she foresees for affordable housing in a post-pandemic world; along with a leadership advice to young women in business. Finally, she even had some hot-takes on her beloved Philadelphia Eagles.
Thank you, Ivy! It was a true pleasure to connect with you in such a way!
#MoyaTalks: Pablo Güiraldes
We wrapped up our #MOYATalks series on DMV Heritage and People with Architect and Urban Planner, Pablo Guiraldes as our guest speaker.
Pablo talked about his time working for architecture firms and teaching in Maryland and DC. He shared his vision for pedestrian-oriented cities, where citizens are the center of the urban fabric. We had the chance to learn from his vast knowledge and the way he integrates data and references into the conversation. Pablo answered our staff's questions with intellectual honesty and a positive vision of the role of designers and architects in the transformation of urban spaces for the future.
Thank you, Pablo, for sharing your knowledge with us!
#MOYAtalks: Vinay Ganeshan
As a part of our #MOYATalks series on DMV Heritage and People, we had a great conversation with Vinay Ganeshan, Moya Design Partners' Principal & Senior Project Manager. Vinay walked us through his decision to become an architect, his early years in the US, and his long experience in over two dozen projects in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Vinay talked about his time as part of MOYA’s leadership. The company is building its success on a balanced approach between sound business strategy and equitable development. Finally, he shared his love for golf and for the multicultural culinary richness of the region. Thank you Vinay!
#MoyaTalks: Jonathan Moody
As a part of our Design and Sustainability #MOYAtalks series, we had a privilege to host a talk with Jonathan Moody AIA, NOMA, NCARB, LEED AP.
Jonathan Moody is the AIA 2021 Young Architect Recipient and it is easy to understand why. Last year he became the CEO of Moody Nolan Design, the largest African American Architecture firm in the US. The conversation was great, Jonathan shared his current approach to architecture and Moody-Nolan's community work, his vision for sustainable design and the creation of more holistic spaces that provide opportunities.
Thank you once again, Jonathan, it was a true pleasure and an unforgettable experience to connect with you!
#MoyaTalks: Ella Faulkner
#MOYA has wrapped up our Design and Sustainability #MOYAtalks series with a very special guest appearance: Ella Faulkner, the Deputy Director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation.
Ella talked about the sustainability criteria for all the new projects in #DC, how DC became the city with the best park system in the US. She shared some details on her personal and professional background and how she first ventured in urban planning and development.
Thank you, Ella, for joining us and sharing your knowledge!
#MoyaTalks: Tessa Edison
It was a pleasure to talk with Tessa Edison for our first #MOYATalks on DMV Heritage and People. It is always great to have the chance to learn from people like Tessa who know the District in and out and have had a hand in shaping the city through their work. Tessa shared her insights on the role that Black and Brown firms have in contributing to a more equitable development of the District that is respectful of its history and listens to its citizens.
We discovered that Tessa once wanted to be a sports agent and that her desire to empower other people translates to her work at Asset Management Consulting. As always, our staff took part in the conversation and we discussed together how important role models are and how athletes have progressively become much more active agents of social change.
In all, this was a great conversation with an amazing woman. Thank you, Tessa!
#MoyaTalks: David Baumann
Continuing our Design and Sustainability #MOYAtalks series, we've had a pleasure to host a talk with David Baumann, Director of Data and Innovation at FARM-TRACE and Taking Root. We talked about Demand Driven energy modeling, carbon sequestration, and data-informed reforestation and foresting projects.
David walked the audience through Taking Root’s approach to reforestation, which puts emphasis on improving the economic opportunities of small landowners and farmers. He also explained at length, the data collection process of Taking Root and FARM-TRACE and how that data helps reforestation efforts and improves strategies for carbon sequestration.
David was a great communicator, and we want to show him our appreciation for his insights and knowledge. Please, if you are interested in learning about the excellent work that Taking Root and FARM-TRACE are doing, follow them. Their innovative approach is really worth a look.
Thank you so much for joining us and sharing your knowledge, David!
#MOYAtalks: Annie Ratanasim & Sandy Paik
As a part of our #MOYAtalks Design and Sustainability series, we’ve had a privilege to connect with Annie Ratanasim and Sandy Paik, from DC Green Bank. We have had many great conversations in our Moya Talk series, since we started back in February, and this one was superb.
Annie and Sandy shared their work experiences at DC Green Bank, told us more about the projects that the organization is covering, as well as shared their thoughts on sustainable development and sustainable cities and food justice. A history graduate, Sandy, had this absolute pearl “Policy making is about being a historian for the future”, when explaining how she first became interested in affordable housing and sustainability. And that reflection is on point, climate and food justice requires us to think about our societies as a never- ending design process where we can effect positive change.
Thank you so much, Annie and Sandy, for such an insightful conversation! The energy was ecstatic.
#MoyaTalks: Ana Ka´ahanui
As a part of our Sustainability and Design #MOYAtalks series, we had a privilege to talk with Ana Ka’ahanui. Ana is the communication manager at the U.S. Green Buidling Council.
In her electric and captivating style, Ana elaborated on the story of the U.S. Green Building Council and shared her experiences in 18 years working in the council. As an advocate for environmental education, Ana talked about her non-profit organization, Capital Nature, and the highs and lows of educating the public about environmental issues. Without a doubt, Ana has the gift of communication and we enjoyed learning about Capital Nature’s initiatives in the region and how the use of technology amplifies our ability to understand and expand our knowledge.
Thank you, Ana, for sharing your knowledge and such an insightful and important conversation!
#MoyaTalks: Catarina Rivera
As a part our Inclusive Design and Accessible Cities #MOYAtalks series, we had the privilege to connect with Catarina Rivera, MSEd, MPH, Founder of Blindish Latina and DEI Consultant.
Catarina shared with us how her Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage shaped her experience broaden her horizons and provided perspective while growing up. Catarina gently and clearly walked our audience through her journey as an advocate, her life with Usher syndrome, and her work as a DEI consultant.
We discussed key concepts such as “invisible disability” and how to have productive conversation on disability beyond cliches and token representation. Catarina, thank you for sharing your time and experience.
Please, if you want to learn more about Catarina and her work, visit her website: https://www.catarinarivera.com
#MoyaTalks: Cheryl Steigerwald
As a part of our #MOYAtalks series celebrating Women History Month, we've had the pleasure to host a talk with Cheryl Steigerwald LEED AP, the Vice President of Vertical Design for The NRP Group.
Cheryl shared her thoughts about women leadership in architecture, the story about how she switched from architecture to development and real estate and how her background as an architect is essential to the success in her role managing NRP $2billion portfolio.
Thank you, Cheryl, it was a privilege to connect with you!
#MoyaTalks: Jason Pugh
As a part of #MOYAtalks series celebrating Black History Month, our team had a privilege to host a talk with Jason Pugh, NOMA’s Director and Gensler’s Senior Associate.
Jason talked about his approach to architecture, his vision for NOMA during his leadership, implementation of participatory decision making in complex architectural projects, as well as his thoughts about designing more equitable cities. Jason was sharp, incisive and full of amazing analogies and data that were enlightening about the challenges BIPOC face in the profession. This was a great way to wrap up our Black History Month MOYA Talks.
Thank you, Jason!
#MOYAtalks: Paul Blackman
As a part of our Black History Month #MOYAtalks series, we had the privilege to connect with Paul Blackman, the Program Director of Overland, Pacific & Cutler, and a leading Consultant for Trusted Advisory Group.
Paul shared his experience of switching from engineering to the Built Environment Industry and real estate; talking about the development of the DC Metro Area. We want to thank Paul once again for taking the time to share his knowledge with our team! Please enjoy the video and consider commenting your thoughts!
#MOYAtalks: Maria Thompson
As a part of #MOYAtalks series dedicated to the Black History Month, our team had a pleasure to connect with Maria Thompson, Executive Vice President of Construction at Hoffman & Associates.
Maria shared with us a variety of her personal and professional experiences, including being part of the leadership team at one of the largest developers in the US; overseeing one of the largest projects in DC, The Wharf; and mentoring youth on the construction and engineering industry.
https://www.hoffman-dev.com/
#MOYAtalks: Buwa Binitie
As a part of #MOYATalks series on Design, Development and Opportunities, we had the pleasure to talk with Buwa Binitie, Founder and Managing Principal of Dantes Partners.
A great storyteller, Buwa talked about his arrival from Nigeria to New York 23 years ago, and about how his family values shaped the person he is today. Buwa shared his experiences as a young entrepreneur in the midst of the Dot-Com bubble, learning the hard way that any business requires patience and a carefully thought process. More importantly, Buwa talked about how he discovered that real Estate Development was his passion, and a way to give back and build a more inclusive city. We delved into the how his earlier experiences informed the process that he followed to found Dantes Partners and the amazing job they have done in the District to provide high quality affordable housing and. Buwa’s sharp insights and honest answers were refreshing. It was a great talk!
Read more about Reeves Center project concept at this link: https://moyadesignpartners.com/portfolio/reservation-13/
#MOYAtalks: Bo Menkiti
As a part of our Design, Development and Economic Opportunities #MOYAtalks series, we had the privilege to connect with Obiora "Bo" Menkiti, the Founder and CEO of The Menkiti Group and Vice Chair of City First Bank. Bo is a great storyteller, and we had the true pleasure to hear his insights about The Menkiti Group’s history, his experience working with small businesses, his personal and professional goals, as well as some behind-the-scenes news for the Reeves Center project.
Thank you so much, Bo, for such an engaging and emotional talk!
Learn more about Reeves Center revitalization project at the links below:
https://www.revitalizereeves.com/
https://moyadesignpartners.com/portfolio/moxy-hotel-new-franklin-d-reeves-center/