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Wilber Kyagulanyi was born in Uganda and raised in Colorado. Wilber is a dedicated architect. Overcoming many challenges, he earned a degree in architecture while balancing full-time work. Wilber is a first-generation immigrant with leadership roles in organizations like NSBE and AIAS which have cultivated his strong commitment to creating inclusive spaces.
Building Dreams, Brick by Brick: Meet Wilber Kyagulanyi, 2022 GlobalMindED Graduate
How has GlobalMindED helped you reach your goals?
GlobalmindedED has profoundly inspired me to cultivate an inclusive environment everywhere I go. Through this program, I've gained valuable leadership experience, which led me to take on significant roles, such as my new position as with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
GlobalmindedED also offered me invaluable leadership training, including mentorship from Jason, a principal at Gensler, who helped me refine both my architectural and interpersonal skills and guided my career development. Additionally, as an architecture student, I participated in the Freedom by Design program, the CU Denver chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). In this role, I collaborated with fellow students and the Colorado Village Collaborative to design and construct safe outdoor structures for those experiencing homelessness. Through this initiative, we built a community of designers dedicated to addressing societal needs.
The program pushed me out of my comfort zone and provided opportunities to take on more responsibility, such as serving as the secretary of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) in 2022 and a designer for the CU Denver AIAS chapter. As a NSBE secretary, I organized events, wrote emails, and managed bi-weekly newsletters for our members.
As the sole Black student in nearly all my Architecture classes, I came to understand the critical importance of supporting the Black community on campus. I was disheartened when, from a starting group of five Black students in my architecture studio classes, I was the only one remaining after just two semesters. This experience motivated me to enhance support for my peers by providing access to essential information and resources to help them succeed academically and professionally.
What is your personal/professional story?
I was born in Uganda and moved to Colorado at the age of 14. I attended Overland High School in Aurora, where high school life was both fun and intense as I assimilated into American culture. Learning English was crucial for effective communication, and I ended up winning the 2020 English Learning Support medal. After graduating with a 3.8 GPA and receiving faculty awards. I had a lot of fun adapting to the new culture while engaging in activities like playing soccer and participating in the school's chess program.
As I began searching for colleges, my passion for architecture led me to a specific goal. With only one university in Colorado offering an accredited architecture degree, the cost of attending an out- of-state school was daunting. Despite the financial challenges, I took a risk by applying to that single university, and fortunately, I was accepted.
Although my parents suggested a more affordable community college, I stood firm in my decision to pursue architecture at the university. Understanding the financial implications, I was prepared to take full responsibility for my education. Despite my father's concerns, I disagreed with him believing the opportunity was worth the risk.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
Engaging in various leadership roles has been instrumental in shaping my journey to where I stand today. As a member of the Link Leader group, I assisted incoming high school freshmen during the summer transition period. Stepping into this role required me to push beyond my comfort zone and test my confidence by speaking in English, which I had worked hard to improve. The experience taught me valuable lessons in communication and leadership.
Assuming financial responsibility for my college education instilled a deep sense of seriousness in my academic pursuits. The cost of failure was too high, both financially and personally, prompting me to maintain an unwavering dedication to my studies and ensure successful outcomes.
College presented significant financial challenges, compelling me to work full-time jobs and resort to credit card loans to cover tuition expenses. Balancing work, studies, and financial obligations became a daily struggle, with the pressure to generate funds for each semester weighing heavily on me. Enduring long days of commuting, studying, working, and driving for ride-share services to make ends meet, I often found myself isolated from family for days on end.
At times, I felt like I had imposed a heavy burden upon myself. I constantly prayed to God to give me the faith and perseverance to help me succeed. Occasionally, I would be awarded scholarships that provided relief from the financial strain. Holding onto hope for a brighter future, I remained persistent in my pursuit of academic success, driven by the belief that my perseverance would lead to ultimate achievement.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion for serving others stems from my deep sense of gratitude. I feel compelled to give back because of the huge help I’ve received. Coming to the US and having the chance to attend high school for free were incredible opportunities that I view as gifts. The support and remedial programs at my high school made me feel valued as a student. Much of my drive to serve comes from the unearned, unsolicited help I've received from peers, professors, friends, and, most importantly, from God.
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