20 Emerging Professionals Awarded Grants to Attend AIA26
AIA is proud to announce 20 recipients of the 2026 AIA Emerging Professional Grant, awarding them complimentary registration to attend the AIA Conference on Architecture and Design, taking place June 10–13, 2026, in San Diego.
WASHINGTON – April 28, 2026 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is proud to announce 20 recipients of the 2026 AIA Emerging Professional Grant, awarding them complimentary registration to attend the AIA Conference on Architecture and Design, taking place June 10–13, 2026, in San Diego.
Launched in 2024, the AIA Emerging Professional Grant program has doubled in scope since its inception – expanding from 10 in 2024 to 20 recipients in 2026.
The Emerging Professional Grant supports early-career architects by giving them access to the profession’s premier annual event. This initiative highlights individuals who are helping to shape the future of architecture and drive conversations around equity, climate action, design innovation, workplace culture, and leadership.
Each recipient will receive a complimentary full conference registration, along with exclusive benefits tailored to enhance their professional growth. These include:
- Access to select conference events and programming
- Career development resources provided at the AIA26 NextGen Lounge
- ARE study resources from Amber Book
- Opportunities to connect with AIA leadership and other grant recipients
- Recognition as ambassadors for the AIA26 NextGen Lounge and emerging professional community
- Dedicated guidance to navigate the event experience
This grant cohort represents a vibrant and diverse group of individuals who bring fresh ideas and critical perspectives to the challenges facing architecture today. As ambassadors for the emerging professional audience, they will help shape conversations around the future of the profession at AIA26. AIA remains committed to creating pathways for the next generation of architects and leaders to thrive.
• Leneya Dawkins, Assoc. AIA
• Yangsun Lim, Assoc. AIA, CPHD
• Kazi Tabassum, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Associate
• Asia K. Williams, Assoc. AIA
• Dasanie Pena, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C
• Viraj Dave, Assoc. AIA
• Pwapedeino Wonosikou, Assoc. AIA, NOMA
• Mahamat Adoum Hassane, Assoc. AIA
• Tarjanee Soni, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate
• Jenish Thakkar, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate
• Josephine “Jojo” Briones, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate
• Hoang Duong Le, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, WELL AP, LEED Green Assoc.
• Tahseen Reza Anika, Assoc. AIA
• Sriya Radhakrishnan, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, WELL AP, CPHC, EDAC, Fitwel Ambassador
• Shraddha Shetty, Assoc. AIA
• Akhila Arakkal, Assoc. AIA
• Claire Trout, Assoc. AIA
• Jackie Kirkland, Assoc. AIA
• Deshona Nelson, Assoc. AIA, NOMA
• Karla Maldonado Rangel, Assoc. AIA
Learn more about career focused resources on AIA’s website.
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