Getting to Know the 2% – Mathew Picardal

Seeking Equity & Diversity in Our Built Environment

In partnership with SDNOMA, we are proud to present, Overcoming the 2%: Seeking Equity and Diversity in our Built Environment. As it is approaching quickly, we created a video capturing our panelist’s views on the most significant challenges people of color currently face in entering the profession. Did you know that only 2% of licensed architects are Black and African American? 

Join us on May 13th at 5:00 pm, where we will hear from Melina Aluwi, Philicia Harris, Jamie Intervalo, Mathew Picardal, and Joseph Ignacio Ruiz about why this disparity exists and what we need to do to change it.

Have a watch, and sign up for the webinar to discuss how we as an industry can overcome these challenges.

 Mathew Picardal   

Hello, Mathew, please tell us what profession are you in?

I’ve been a structural Project Manager with DCI Engineers in DCI’s Irvine office for over six years.

What was the biggest challenge for you in entering the profession as a person of color?

Not seeing enough diversity in leadership made it more difficult to find people I could relate to and look up to.

How should the challenges for people of color in your profession (or the built environment in general) be addressed?

Be aware of unconscious bias in your hiring practices and verify that there is a clear path for leadership for new hires. Are they provided the resources, environment, and mentorship needed to rise to a leadership position?

What one piece of advice would you pass on to the next generation of professionals of color in your industry?

Expand your network and join professional organizations, and you’ll see that you’re not alone and that there are people you can relate to.

Connect with Mathew!

Instagram @matpicardal

LinkedIn @matpicardal

Click here to see a video of our panel discussing some of these issues.