WiA

The Women in Architecture (WiA) Committee of the AIA El Paso, is a small group aimed to frame the conversation around the promotion of BIPOC and women leaders within the design and building profession through mentorship, education, and networking.

Karla Murillo

Stephanie Barrios-Urrieta

WiA El Paso Scholarship in Memory of Mabel Welch

The AIA El Paso Women in Architecture Scholarship, will support a female architecture student in financial need from the El Paso area. Students from our region often face unique challenges. Many are first generation college students, come from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, or traverse our international border daily to attend class. 

The scholarship is in memory of Mabel Clair Vanderburg Welch (1890) to honor her legacy as a woman, mother, wife, and pioneer. She distinguished herself as the first registered woman architect in El Paso and as the second in the state of Texas. In 1959, in recognition of her long and distinguished career, Welch became a Fellow in the Society of American Registered Architects. The mission for this scholarship is to promote a more equitable, prosperous, and diverse profession within the El Paso community 

Thank you for the consideration and we hope that you will agree that your investment will benefit efforts our local chapter is making in the community.

Sponsor Scholarship Click Here

✨EPCC Firm Crawl Recap🚶‍♀️🏛️✨ On November 8th, WiA El Paso hosted the EPCC Firm Crawl, giving students an inside look at some of El Paso’s leading AE firms. Three groups of enthusiastic students toured multiple firms, learning about the
🌟 Making a Difference, One Brushstroke at a Time 🎨🏠 On November 9th, WiA members came together to give back to our community by painting Mrs. Madeleine’s house, adding fresh color and new life to her home. ❤️ This project was made possible
🌟 WiA Empowering Future Leaders at Girl Powered Conferences! 🌟 This October, our WiA members had the incredible opportunity to inspire young minds at two amazing events: 👩‍🏫 Eastwood Girl Powered Workshop Paulina and Stephanie shared a pres
✨ Last month, we had the pleasure of hosting the Hilles House Soirée, a truly special fundraising event organized by the AIA Legacy and Women in Architecture committees! ✨ Designed by architect David Hilles in 1957, the Hilles House stands as
🌟 Join the WiA Board for 2025! 🌟 As this year wraps up, we’re looking for passionate leaders to step into key roles on the Women in Architecture committee for next year. This opportunity is open to all! Here’s your chance to help shape
Thank you to everyone who joined us last month for the Mabel Welch tour. 💕 A huge shoutout to our guide, Troy Ainsworth, for sharing his knowledge and bringing Mabel’s legacy to life. And special thanks to our sponsor, TWS @drebelle @tempora
Join us Friday November 15 at 12:15 pm for the Women in Architecture monthly meeting. All are welcome. #womeninarchitecture #wia #aiaelpaso #wiaelpaso
🌟 Volunteer Opportunity: Paint Day! 🌟 Looking for a way to give back? We need volunteers to help paint a home for someone in need this Saturday! Join us for a few hours to brighten a family’s space and make a meaningful impact in our communi

Women in Architecture supports our local communities through:

  • Participating volunteer opportunities

  • Strengthening relationships with community leaders through skilled training workshops on home repair

  • Mentorship of women students and emerging professionals in the El Paso community through activities such as resume and portfolio reviews, professional headshots, and software training

  • Educational outreach of local schools such as the Young Women’s STEAM Research and Preparatory Academy, EPCC, and Texas Tech

  • Support group on mental wellness

  • Annual WiA Speed Mentoring - Roundtable

  • Aim to positively influence women in the AEC industry

ALL are welcome! *AIA membership not required to join and get involved.

SPONSORS