Congratulations to AIA-Georgia EQiA 2025 Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) Scholarship Winners!

Amber Bennett-Malik

Amber Bennett-Malik is a Designer II at Perkins&Will and a JEDI Champion, dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and sustainability within the design profession. Raised outside the U.S. in the British Virgin Islands, Amber brings a culturally diverse perspective to her work. She focuses on learning environments, with a passion for creating K–12 spaces that inspire creativity, connection, and belonging for all students. Amber co-founded Explore Studio, a 16-week program in collaboration with a local high school that introduces minority students to the design profession. She is deeply involved in mentorship through Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State University NOMAS chapters, and continues her engagement with NOMA, AIA, and the SPIKE Studio Education Committee. A strong advocate for sustainable and regenerative design, Amber is a LEED Green Associate and one of only four Living Future Accredited professionals in the Perkins&Will Atlanta studio. Her work reflects a deep commitment to designing environments and experiences that nurture equity, opportunity, and growth.

Cristina Gutierrez

Cristina Gutierrez, AIA, NCARB, NOMA is a licensed architect and IPAL Program Coordinator at SCAD’s School of Building Arts. She leads the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure and oversees internships across architecture and design disciplines, connecting students with real-world experience. As SCAD NOMAS faculty advisor, she mentors students through the Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition and fosters advocacy, leadership, and community engagement supporting students’ professional development. Cristina holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Miami and a B.S. in Mathematics from Florida International University. Her career spans project management at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and architectural practice in South Florida and the Abacos Islands, focusing on high-end residential and commercial design. Ms. Gutierrez is passionate about guiding students through the path to architectural licensure and helping them connect their education with meaningful, real-world practice.

Dyesha Holmes

Dyesha Holmes is a licensed architect and urban designer at Cooper Carry, working in the Atlanta office’s Planning + Urban Design and Mixed-Use studios. A graduate of Kennesaw State University’s Bachelor of Architecture program, she was the first recipient of the ARCC King Medal for her thesis on empowering women through community-centered redevelopment in Atlanta’s West End. Her work is rooted in advocacy, social justice, and a people-first approach to design. Dyesha actively engages in community outreach and professional organizations. She served as Director of Communications for NOMAtlanta, was a graduate of the AIA Georgia Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program, and participated in Cooper Carry’s Equity and Diversity Council. She also acted as community liaison for a Reynoldstown mural organized by YAF of ATL and currently serves as Secretary on the Architecture Foundation of Georgia Board. A Project REAP graduate, she uses design to tell stories and help communities realize their full potential through inclusive, purpose-driven architecture.

Ana Valdez

Ana Valdez, NOMA, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate graduated from Kennesaw State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Architecture. She currently works as a Design Professional at HOK, gaining hands-on experience across a diverse range of project types, including science and technology, and sports. She serves on the NOMA Executive Board as Secretary. Passionate about architectural theory and research, Ana has contributed to academic discourse through collaborations and publications presented at conferences such as BTES and EAEA.

Arti Verma

Arti Verma is a Registered Architect and Project Manager at Dynamik Design in Atlanta, specializing in multifamily, retail, and affordable housing projects. She holds a Master of Architecture from Georgia Tech and a Bachelor’s degree from Mumbai University. Arti serves on the board of the Architecture Foundation of Georgia and was selected as a 2024 AIA Georgia Christopher Kelly Leadership Development Program Scholar. A LEED-accredited professional and NCARB Certificate holder, she also serves on NCARB’s Licensing Advisory Board and has been an active mentor for graduate and undergraduate architecture students through the AIAS Mentorship Program. Beyond architecture, Arti is a certified meditation instructor with a strong passion for health and wellness.