Next Up: Two Future AIA Presidents Compare Notes

How can unconventional career journeys, deep community roots, and shared leadership prepare future national presidents to steer the architectural profession through turbulent times?

In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee reflects on her year as president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and compares notes with the two leaders about to take the helm: Yiselle Santos Rivera, who takes the chair in 2027, and Joyce Owens, who follows in 2028. Evelyn sits down with Yiselle and Joyce to explore the winding, non-traditional paths that brought them into the profession, from Yiselle pivoting away from genetics and theology after building immersive art installations in Puerto Rico, to Joyce abandoning veterinary medicine after encountering stainless steel tables and rubber gloves, defying a Catholic high school nun who barred her from a boys' drawing class, and ultimately running practices in both the US and England.

The conversation dives into the behind-the-scenes realities of national leadership, including the serendipitous story of how Joyce drove to Naples intending only to say hello to Yiselle, only for Yiselle to spend the happy hour asking everyone what they thought about Joyce running for president. They speak candidly about the heavy operational pressures, the shock of public scrutiny and social media feedback, and the challenging tension between lofty campaign goals and the daily realities of steering a major national institute.

The guests reflect on the profound value the AIA has on their careers as a professional village and lifelong support network. By showing up authentically, leading with neurodiversity and diverse perspectives, and building belonging, they encourage emerging professionals to dive in, take up space, and actively shape the future of the profession.

"Be present, ask for forgiveness, not for permission, and show up, particularly in leadership positions, in volunteer spaces, exactly how you want to show up, because that is the place where you can test out the kind of leader that you want to be without a ton of fear or risk." - Yiselle Santos Rivera

This episode offers a powerful, honest look behind the curtain of architectural leadership. By sharing their vulnerabilities, anxieties, and unwavering passion for design, Yiselle and Joyce demonstrate how embracing one's unique identity can transform the institute and empower the next generation of architects.

Guests:

Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, is the principal and owner of Santos Rivera Advisory, a Washington, D.C. consultancy focused on intercultural experience design, healthcare architecture, and organizational change, and a lecturer in architecture at Howard University. With a background spanning general sciences, architecture, and leadership psychology, she has held several leadership roles within the AIA, received the 2022 AIA Young Architect Award, and was elected 2026 President-elect and 2027 President of the AIA.

Joyce Owens, FAIA, RIBA, is the founder and principal of Fort Myers-based Architecture Joyce Owens LLC and Studio AJO, bringing extensive international experience from her decade-long practice in London serving prominent clients like the V&A Museum and Alexander McQueen. Her leadership across the AIA includes serving as president of AIA Florida, sitting on the national Strategic Council, receiving the 2022 AIA Florida Gold Medal, and being elected 2027 AIA President-elect and 2028 AIA President.

This episode is especially for you if:

You want to go behind the scenes of national AIA leadership and hear candid reflections from incoming presidents Yiselle Santos Rivera and Joyce Owens.

You are curious about unconventional career entry paths.

You want to explore the real-world pressures, campaign journeys, and strategic visions required to steer a major national institute.

You want to understand how community building, mentorship, and the AIA's professional village create lifelong camaraderie and support.

You believe that vulnerability, authenticity, and diverse leadership are essential for driving meaningful change across the architecture profession.