Meet Our 2025 Scholars!

Meet Our 2025 Scholars

April 3, 2025

Please join us in congratulating our 2025 AFO Scholarship recipients!

Our six $5,000-10,000 specialized scholarships support higher education students who are historically underrepresented in design and building fields. Through our annual awards, we give financial support and mentorship to students pursuing a career in architecture, interior design, engineering, construction, art, and design.

Join us at Building Pathways on April 14 to explore a showcase of innovative student projects created by our Scholars and Formation Mentees, and connect with the next generation of talented designers and builders.

Building Pathways

April 14, 6-8pm

Colas Construction

1419 NW 14th Ave

Portland

Hatfield Scholar

Ron Janus Acob

Portland State University

Ron is a Master of Architecture candidate at PSU, dedicated to using architecture and design as “tools to create inclusive spaces that address the needs and challenges of diverse communities.” A Filipino American who grew up in Hawaii, he is guided by Bayanihan, which “refers to the spirit of communal unity and shared responsibility.”

Hart Scholar

Sofia Irvin

University of Oregon

Sofia is a Master of Architecture candidate at UO who believes that “architecture is a tool and catalyst for social change and justice.” She is a member and advocate of the disabled community and is dedicated to designing spaces that “support and uplift communities, including marginalized individuals, to create more meaningful spaces within broader society.”

Tsagaglalal Scholar

Taliilagi Aumavae

Portland State University

Taliilagi is an Art + Design major and Graphic Design minor at PSU, rooted and inspired by her Samoan heritage. "As I continue to work on my skills and build my portfolio, I hope to bring proper representation to western media of the Pacific Islands and its people while also learning more about my own culture.”

Tsagaglalal Scholar

Anthony Westwolf

Portland State University

Anthony, Amskapi Pikuni and enrolled member of The Blackfeet Nation, is an Architecture major at PSU. He views architecture as a means of making change and aspires to design spaces that “honor history while also pushing forward new ideas.”

Colas Scholar

Gate Kwaleso

Lane Community College

Gate is a Civil Engineering major at Lane Community College, transferring to Oregon State University in the fall. An international student from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he is excited to use his skills as an aspiring engineer to design roads and circulation in Oregon and in the Congo.

Colas Honorarium Awardee

Sara Regalado

University of Oregon

Sara is a Bachelor of Architecture candidate at UO. An aspiring Latina architect originally from Mexico, she is an advocate for diversifying the field and hopes to be an inspiration for other minority students looking to pursue a career in architecture.

PCC Scholar

Briannah Wilson

Portland Community College

Briannah is working toward her Associate Degree in Interior Design at PCC. “I've always been deeply drawn to the curation and creation of spaces that are joyful, authentic and feel safe. I hope most of all in my career to keep learning, adapting, and helping those I work with to live well.”

Learn More About Our Scholars

Thank you to our Scholarship Partners

Connect with Our Scholars at Building Pathways!

The opportunity to connect with the next generation of talented designers and builders has arrived!

Are you looking to recruit new talent, foster mentorship opportunities, and support the future of the design and building industry? Building Pathways is the place to be! Grab your colleagues and join us on April 14 to meet this year’s Scholars and Formation Mentees as you browse their work in a student showcase. This is your chance to get early access to meet them and see what these bright young minds are passionate about.

Monday, April 14

6:00-8:00pm

Colas Construction, Portland

Event Sponsor

More Upcoming AFO Events

Creative Spark: An Architects in Schools Celebration & Design Competition

Join us for a lively evening to celebrate our flagship Architects in Schools program and spark creativity among intergenerational designers!

To showcase the elements of design that Architects in Schools students experience, a design competition will take place in real time for guests to peruse and judge. Interested in taking part in this exciting design competition? Sign up by April 16!

Creative Spark

5/8, 5:30-8:00pm, DLR Group, Portland

Architects in Schools Student Exhibits

You are invited to celebrate the hard work of our 2024-25 Architects in Schools students across Oregon! This is our culminating event of the season, where participating students exhibit the work they have completed during their Architects in Schools residencies.