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The ROI of Immigration: Innovation, Resilience, and Growth

This autumn, join AIA|LA for a pivotal Immigration Summit exploring how immigration shapes our profession, strengthens the AEC industry, and drives the future of Los Angeles.

Through keynotes and panels, the Summit will highlight the immense return on investment immigrants bring to California’s economy—from fueling construction and innovation to bolstering higher education and small businesses. Together, we’ll examine how immigration not only sustains growth but also cultivates resilience, creativity, and prosperity in our communities.

FREE for Students

PROGRAM & AGENDA:

Opening Keynote = (8:30am – 9:00am)

• Stephen Cheung – President & Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) & President, World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA) & Board Director, International Economic Development Council

PANEL #1 – (9:00am – 10am)

The Value of International Students in Higher Education

• Brett Steele – Dean, USC School of Architecture
• Marcela Oliva – Professor, Architecture and Environmental Design, LATTC
• Heather Flood – Dean & Professor, Woodbury University School of Architecture
• Discussion led by:  John Enright, FAIA – Principal, Griffin Enright Architects & Vice Director / Chief Academic Officer, SCI-Arc

NETWORKING BREAK (10:00am – 10:30am)

PANEL #2 = (10:30am – 11:30am)

Immigration, Skilled Labor, and Creative Outcomes in the AEC Industry

• Johnny Mei – Partner, Danziger & Mei LLP
• Alfred Fraijo Jr. – Founder & Principal, Somos Group
• Joss Tillard-Gates – Director of Community Affairs, CLARK CONSTRUCTION GROUP – CA LP
• Discussion led by:  Sarah Lorenzen, AIA – Principal, TOLO Architecture & Professor of Architecture, College of Environmental Design, Cal Poly Pomona

Closing Keynote: (11:30 – 12:00pm)

Cecilia V. Estolano – CEO and Founder, Estolano Advisors & Better World Group & Board Director, National Employment Law Project (INVITED)

The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects