AIA Presents First Women in Architecture and Design Athena Awards

Lori Garrett and Lira Luis are the recipients of the first annual Women in Architecture and Design Athena Awards. The inaugural honorees were selected by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the planning committee of the Women’s Leadership Development Summit, the New York City gathering at which Garrett and Luis received their awards from Martha Mertz, director and founder of Athena International. Criteria for the award included having demonstrated excellence, creativity, and initiative within the design professions; provided valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in her community; and actively assisted women within the design professions in achieving their full leadership potential and/or clearly served as a role model for young women both personally and professionally.