Celebrating Pride Month 🏳️🌈
Dear NOMA New Mexico,
It’s an honor to write to you and for those who are just being introduced to me through this letter, my name is Marissa Sanchez. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and received both my Undergraduate and Master’s degrees at The University of New Mexico, both for Architecture. I am currently working for the Army Corps of Engineers as a Junior Architect. I also identify as openly and unapologetically Queer, which for my professional position in the government has not been an issue until very recently.
June has come again and as rainbows pour into the streets this year we must reflect back on our past to stand strong for the years to come. The current administration is blatantly attacking any community for which they deem as “other” and a cloud of uncertainty looms over our heads for the future. What do we do?
My advice to you would be to continue to bring joy, whimsy, and light into the work you do. Authenticity and the ability to stand strong in your own identity is the most powerful protest we can bring as a community. Pride itself started as a riot after the Stone Wall club was unjustly raided by the NYPD (New York Police Department). From there, the march became a tradition to bring light to the fact that we are here, we are queer, and we will not be going anywhere.
The multitude of renditions of our acronym, (LGBT, LGBTQ,LGBTQIA+) may confuse most but one thing that stays consistent is the L leading the way. During the AIDS crisis, the community pulled together to fight through hard times with lesbians leading the way. We pay tribute to those who stood up and helped by continuing to place L before all other identities.
Today we take to the streets with the strength of those who came before to bring the same message to the public. We are here. We are happy to be who we are. We will not lessen ourselves for the comfort of others. I design, live, and love with my whole being. I refuse to change myself to conform to someone else’s definition of proprietary and I urge you to do the same.
It might be cliche, but strive to be unapologetically happy, unapologetically childlike, unapologetically loud, soft, simple, funny, serious, silly, maximalist, whimsical, and different. Be unapologetically you.
With love,
Marissa Sanchez, NOMA
Announcement: Dignify by Design Summit Discount
NOMA members can attend the Dignify by Design Summit in Santa Fe on July 9–10, 2025, for just $50 — a significant discount from the $250 New Mexico resident and $495 general admission rates. Only 15 discounted tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.
To claim yours, log in to NOMA Connect, go to the NOMA New Mexico Community, and use the posted discount code during registration.
Visit the event website for more details. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!
Members in community
Please join us in celebrating Trupthi Panickor, NOMA NM University Liaison, in sharing her Indian culture with Albuquerque. She was recently featured in KOAT where she shares how she teaches and keeps her heritage alive through dance. Visit here.
UPCOMING THIS WEEKEND: SUNDAY, JUNE 8
We’ve revamped our monthly event for summer!
Bosque Bike Rides + Coffee Socials
Hosted by Ke Vaughn Harding, First Vice President, please join us for a monthly bike trip and our new coffee social. Attendees may choose to participate in both the bike ride and coffee social, or simply join us for the chapter coffee gathering.
SCHEDULE:
Sunday, June 8
Sunday, July 13
Sunday, August 10
AGENDA:
Bike Ride
Meeting time: 10:00am
Meeting location: The northwest corner of 1st Street NW and Copper Ave NW
Route: Paseo del Bosque Trail
All experience levels welcome
Bike ride detours to Bike In Coffee on the return leg for social gathering. Food can be purchased on your own at the venue.
Return leg of the bike ride departs Bike In Coffee at 11:45 and arrives back at the original meeting point at 12:00 noon.
Coffee Social
Meeting time: 11:15am
Meeting location: Bike in Coffee. 949 Montoya St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104. Meet under the gazebo in front of the cafe.
Food can be purchased on your own at the venue, where a breakfast / brunch menu is offered by the establishment.
Join us for an online event where Xavier Obando will share insights on Passive House design principles. Learn how to create energy-efficient homes that prioritize sustainability without compromising comfort. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals. Register now and be part of the conversation!
Thank you, Sponsors!
We’re grateful for our sponsors, Arcadia, Bell and McCoy, and Martinez Architecture Studio PC for being our first donations! Our mission for 2025 is to make an impact in our local and professional communities. Your donations help support our upcoming programs, events, and scholarships.
We’re offering various tiers of donations and benefits. If you or your firm are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact us at nomanewmexico@gmail.com.
Join NOMA
To join NOMA officially, please visit the NOMA Membership Page. Upon arrival at the page, select the “Register Now!” button under “Are you ready to join the organization?”. This will open the member registration page where you may select the relevant membership category and continue with the registration process.
