The Council of Advisors (COA), is a committee of AIA California, providing leadership to AEP programs and activities and advocating for Emerging Professionals’ issues throughout California. Comprised of AIA members at all stages of their career, both elected by the AIA CA Board of Directors and appointed by the AIA CA President, this group guides all AEP activities within the organization.

Download a PDF copy of the AEP COA Placement here.

2022

Mandy Freeland, AIA
VP of the AEP

Ali Rafieetari, Assoc. AIA
State Associate Director

Olivia Asuncion, AIA
Young Architect Representative

Mashawnta Armstrong, Assoc. AIA
Associate Director, South

VACANT
Associate Director, North

Drishti Bajla, AIAS
Student Director, North

Madysen Bellanca, AIAS
Student Director, South

Liam Hanlon, Assoc. AIA
Architect Licensing Advisor, North

David Garcia, Assoc. AIA
Architect Licensing Advisor, South

VACANT
Member-at-Large

Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA Executive Vice President
AIA CA Staff Liaison

In addition to the COA, the leadership of the Academy is also comprised of 21 local Chapter Emerging Professional Directors. Each AIA Chapter in the state selects one individual to represent their local Chapter in the Academy. These individuals are the key contacts through which the AEP disseminates information to all California AIA Chapters, in-turn, the EP Directors disseminate the information to all Emerging Professionals in their respective chapters.