A few weeks back we announced First Fridays: our new monthly series fostering an ongoing discussion about WELCOMING, led by local and national experts. Our first First Friday kicks off this week, and the response has been so overwhelming, we’re already thrilled to announce next month’s talk.

The first Friday in February (the 7th, to be precise), we’re thrilled to welcome architect and trans activist Julia Oderda to our COLLECTIVE lounge. Since coming out as transgender in 2016, Oderda has been a public advocate for the creation of spaces that enable the trans community to be both themselves and welcomed into society. She has worked in the field of architecture for 20 years and has been with her firm, VCBO, since 2005. In that time, she has specialized in several design project types but has worked primarily in envisioning educational and recreational facilities and multi-family housing projects. For Oderda, architecture works best when it both functions and inspires, creating inviting spaces and more fulfilling communities.

Her series topic: Creating Welcoming Environments for Trans and Non-Binary People through design and personal empathy.

Oderda will speak on how both her work in the field and personal experiences have influenced her beliefs regarding society and inclusivity, and she'll share her thoughts on how we all can strive—in our lives and our workplaces—to better both habits and built environments, making everyone more comfortable existing in the world.

Seating is limited; reserve your spot by registering here!