Nassau BOCES

Co-Chair

AIA College of Fellows

Originally from Colombia, Graciela Carrillo, AIA, immigrated to the United States in 2003. While in Colombia, Graciela worked as an Architect at Bogota’s Institute of Urban Development (IDU), a Government-owned institution in charge of city planning and infrastructure construction for Bogotá. She works for Nassau BOCES Facilities Services as a Senior Manager where she is in charge of coordinating school’s related projects.

Graciela has committed almost a decade of volunteer leadership service to the American Institute of Architects (AIA). She has been involved with the AIA at the local, state, and national level, currently serving as the President 2020-2021 as well as the WIA Founder and Co-Chair of the AIA Long Island Chapter. On a National and State level, Graciela was the past 2017-2018 NY Regional Director (YARD) for the Young Architects Forum (YAF). Graciela is also the Co-Founder of the Immigrant Architects Coalition, a group committed to helping and providing resources for immigrant architects to achieve a prosperous career in the U.S. Graciela obtained her B. Arch in Bogota, Colombia, and a Masters in Environmental Planning from Pratt Institute is a LEED Accredited Professional and a NYS Code Enforcement Official. In 2019, Graciela was the recipient of the AIA NYS Young Architect Award.

Through her volunteering at the AIA, Graciela has had an abundance of career enrichment and professional development. Of particular interest is providing a voice for immigrant professionals established in the U.S., and encouraging and supporting them in their path towards licensure and professional development, since she experienced, first hand, the challenges of being educated in a foreign country while ultimately acquiring a professional license in NYS.

Core Group Architects, LLP.

Co-Chair

Ebru is a graduate from the New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury Campus with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2001 and began her internship in the profession in 1999 coinciding with her architectural education. She was on the deans list as well as a teacher’s assistant her junior year. Born in Brooklyn, raised in Queens, origin Turkish/ American – culture is a big part of her life. She started her journey in a Mechanical Engineer’s office to grasp the understanding of coordination. By gaining experience in many architecture firms she built her stamina in all aspect of Architecture. Working with Engineering, Mechanical and Architecture firms she was able to gain a lot of experience in documentation and Construction.

Currently working for Core Group Architects in Oyster Bay as a Project Manager, Ebru has steadily immersed in the office design culture and management. A creative professional expertise in High-end Retail, Commercial, Restoration/Renovations, Nursing Homes, Dialysis Centers and Residential Construction.

Manages complex architecture and construction administration from inception to completion. Ebru is also an Adjunct Instructor at New York Institute of Technology in the Old Westbury Campus, teaching Visualization, Building Construction and Environmental Systems. She brings her experience of 17 years to her students while gaining knowledge and teaches her students by getting them involved on the construction field. She is actively on her way to taking the ARE exams and hopes to encourage other exam takers to have this journey with her.

In the AIA, Ebru began her services to the architectural community by helping out with the AIA Queens Chapter back in 2014. She has been actively involved in the AIA, currently the Co-Chair for the AIA Queens Emerging Professionals in Architecture (QEPA) and AIA Long Island Women in Architecture, while volunteering with the AIA Queens Chapters activities for education and the Brooklyn Queens Design Awards. Ebru loves to paint, take pictures and decorate. She has a 13-year-old son that keeps her busy and hopes that he will become engaged in a career that will help him encourage others.

Mojo Stumer Associates

Social Media & Programs Coordinator

Maureen began her academic career in 1992 with an A.A.S in Interior Design and followed with BSAT in Architecture in 1998. With so many years of experience, Maureen has a vast knowledge of materials and building systems under her belt. She has designed and documented a variety of spaces from high end residential, retail, hospitality and institutional buildings all along marrying architecture and interior design passionately. Currently she is pursuing licensure. She believes in integrating and giving back to her community and became a committee member of the Women in Architecture and the Emerging Professionals AIA Long Island Chapter. She loves travel and photography as well as drawing and sketching in any medium.

H2M architects + engineers

Communications Coordinator

Renee Marcus, AIA, our newest member of the WIA committee, is a registered architect, certified interior designer and LEED AP. She holds a BS in Architecture as well as a Master’s in Business from NYIT. Ms. Marcus has concentrated most of her career on working within the public market focusing on schools and the municipal market as a Studio Director and Assistant Vice President at H2M architects + engineers located in Melville, NY. Previously, Ms. Marcus has experience on the design and project management side of the profession acting as an owner’s representative for the global offices at Bloomberg LP and then later AIG Realty. Projects were comprised of corporate interior design, lease negotiations, radio and tv studio design and integration, and office relocations, which included all aspects of bidding and construction administration. Ms. Marcus is the Immediate Past President of the LI Chapter of the Construction Specification Institute and has served as an adjunct professor for SUNY Farmingdale within the Architecture and Construction Management program for the last 10 years.

SpectorGroup

Programs Coordinator

WFC Architects

Programs Coordinator

Gloria originally from Peru, holds a Bachelor of Architecture from NYIT. She currently is a Project Architect at WFC Architects in Setauket. Gloria has worked on diverse projects, including: medical, data centers, executive offices, but her area of expertise is in the Baking and Credit Union Sector, which includes numerous interior alterations as well as ground up construction. Gloria has over 18 years of Architectural experience. In her spare time, Gloria teaches cake and cookie decorating, and enjoys making elaborate cakes and cookies for family and friends.

B Thayer Associates

Programs Coordinator

Judith is an Architectural Designer, originally from Lima, Peru, where she holds an Architecture License. While in Peru, she managed her own Practice C&C Architects SRL, designing and building Commercial and Residential Projects.

Upon coming to United States on 1999, knowing Architecture was her passion, she decided to continue working in the same field. Currently, Judith works as an Architectural Designer for B Thayer Associates, an Architecture/Engineering firm based in Long Island, NY. Prior to joining BTA, she was a Senior Architectural Designer for ACB Architects PLLC, an Architecture firm based in New York City, where she focused in aviation and transportation projects.

The pleasure for sharing knowledge and experience always inspired her to be involved in different activities: she become an active member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) for more than ten years. Later as a Member of the SGBC, she was a dedicated volunteer in the Residential Green Building Committee and Green Schools committees, participating in USGBC educational events. Currently she is the Events Coordinator for the AIA LI WIA (Women in Architecture) Committee.

Judith is an International Associate AIA, LEED Accredited Professional, and a Construction Documents Technologist (CDT).

Judith enjoys the beach, visiting museums, and traveling to historic places.

Thomas D. Blore Architect, P.C.

Programs Coordinator

Ana Corona holds a Bachelor of Architecture since 2009 from Mother and Teacher Pontifical Catholic University in the Dominican Republic. She has worked in various sectors back in Santiago de Los Caballeros holding a license in the place that saw her born.

Ana resides in the United States since 2011. She started her involvement in the stone industry and later in the Architectural field occupied as a Drafting Coordinator, Architectural Designer, and Project Manager. These years of experience made her even more interested in honing her skills, knowledge and becoming more competitive, therefore, she enrolled in a Construction Management Certificate at Nassau Community College while gaining more practice in pursuit of the Architectural Licensure. Ana has worked on the Architectural and Engineering industry specifically on project development & documentation as well as schematic design for residential, commercial, religious and community facilities projects including but not limited to building codes & zoning analysis, conceptual drawings, three-dimensional renderings, interior design presentations, architectural design, space planning, facility management, demolition, and structural work.

Ana has a deep respect for the environment being in tune with nature as opportunities arise. To connect and contribute to the environment, she became an environmental steward in 2020 for New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. She is also part of the emerging professional committee at Urban Green Council and Women in Architecture at AIA Long Island Chapter.

In her spare time, she expresses herself creatively through photography, artistic dance, sketching, researching, reading, and traveling. She collects experiences through cultural tourism including visiting museums, designed buildings, historic places, and parks.

H2m architects + engineers.

Programs Coordinator

A native New Yorker born in Brooklyn, and the daughter of an architect, Maria attended NYIT School of Architecture and Design in Old Westbury. She received her Bachelor of Architecture Degree after attending the 5-year program on scholarship and graduated magna cum laude, receiving the Gold Medal for Architectural Design, as well as the AIA Long Island Chapter Commendation. Maria attended the Ecoles des Beaux Arts in the summer of her 4th year and studied the work of Le Corbusier with many of his compatriots and toured France. She won the Prix Le Corbusier in recognition of her excellent design work in all disciplines, sculpture, graphic design, mosaic, landscape, and architectural design.

She is the Studio Director for Private Sector Architecture in the NYC Regional Office for H2M architects + engineers, where she oversees a team of architects and designers dealing with diverse types of clients and projects within the real estate market. She has more than 30 years of architectural experience at NYC-based architectural firms and even established her own firm as an expansion of a small side practice. Maria oversees the full life cycle of projects, from development of design to construction administration as well as being a liaison between the contractor and client and coordinating with local building departments and state agencies. Passionate about mentoring the next generation of architects, Ms. Di Natale has served as an Adjunct Associate Professor at NYIT School of Architecture and Design for 30 years and previously taught at the NYU School of Continuing Education and The Institute of Design and Construction.

Maria has been a member of the American Institute of Architects for almost 30 years since obtaining her license in 1992 and is now a Board Member for the AIALI Chapter. She continues the legacy working in the profession of architecture, teaching, and the participation in advocacy thorough the AIA that her father fostered in her. She looks forward to this time where she can give back to the profession and stay involved in current events in the field and do this through direct involvement in the AIALI Women In Architecture Committee.

Rosenbaum Design Group

Programs Coordinator

Heidi is an alumni of New York Institute of Technology, receiving a Bachelor of Architecture in 2021.

She was named to the Presidential, Dean’s, and Athletic Director’s honor roll throughout the 5 year program. Heidi was also captain of the Cross Country and Track&Field team at NYIT. During her studies she had the opportunity to volunteer with a group of students and travel to Puerto Rico to build a storm station that meets the needs of the local community trying to recover from natural disaster. Heidi was able to put her architectural knowledge to use with this hands on project, and was able to help meet energy and water needs by having the station capable of collecting and filtering water and solar panels to create electric.

She has always had a passion for the architectural & engineering field, being introduced at a young age by family members working in the field. Currently Heidi is working in the commercial industry, performing project design & development, construction documents, as well as municipal expediting.

She is a LEED Accredited Professional, NYC Class II Codes & Zoning Representative, and is actively pursuing architectural licensure. Heidi has recently become a committee member of the Long Island

Women in Architecture and plans on continuing to become more involved in the architectural community.

Being of Swedish, Norwegian, and German decent, growing up with the traditions, Heidi is inspired by Scandinavian architecture which focuses on minimalism, natural light, and neutral color schemes, while also addressing sustainable design.

The Architect Studio

Doreen Britt is a licensed Architect, who is registered and practices in New York State. She is the founder and principal of The Architect Studio, a small firm that focuses on residential design projects. Her projects include additions, renovations, and single family homes that range in size up to 10,000 square feet.

Doreen has received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Construction Management from New York Institute of Technology in 1987. From there she went on to study Healthy Building Materials at The New School and continues to keep current as a subscriber to the Healthy Materials Lab.

Her education and research has shaped her practice, one that goes beyond just design. Recently she has been involved in the actual renovation of a 1920’s cottage style home and continues to pursue other “hands on” construction projects. “The combination of design and building skills keep my practice interesting. I definitely envision this Architectural life for years to come”.

Corgan Associate Architects

Project Specialist II

Veronica is an alumni of New York Institute of Technology, receiving a Bachelor of Architecture in 2021 and currently employed at Corgan Associate Architects in NYC.

She achieved Dean’s list every semester and graduated Cum Laude throughout the 5 year program. She grew up having a passion for the architectural and engineering field, along with her dad being an engineer which created her desire to work in the design field. Her passion and inspiration came from traveling at a young age.

Currently Veronica is working on commercial projects, specifically Data Centers, for which she assists throughout the building design process, including programming, schematic design, design development and contract documents, under routine guidance.

She is actively pursuing architectural licensure along with becoming LEED certified. Veronica has recently become a committee member of the Long Island Women in Architecture in hopes of becoming more involved in the field of architecture and empowering women in the field.

Principal Architect | Founder

Rooted Architecture Studio

Katherine Aida Serrano Sosa is a NYS licensed architect who is native to El Salvador. Coming to the USA at the age of seven, she has set her roots in New York with a sense of respect and appreciation to her Salvadorean roots, as well.

Katherine graduated from the Spitzer School of Architecture in the Macaulay Honors College at CCNY in 2016, and in September of 2019 she became licensed in New York. With over eight years of work experience, she has worked on various types of projects at different scales and phases.

With her experience and knowledge, in 2021, she decided to create Rooted Architecture Studio as a gateway to help others understand the process of design and construction, as well as express her design language. To Katherine, design is spatial problem solving and each project is a resolution to the client’s seen or unforeseen problems/needs.

Jessica Nicole Freitag, is an Associate AIA member, and holds a BARCH from NYIT. Ms. Freitag has over fifteen years of experience in the construction industry specializing in the Municipal Market, Institutional Building, and Healthcare throughout Long Island and NYC. She is a diligent team leader with a conviction for excellence throughout design and construction.

Her compassion for humanity motivates her to make a difference within the community. Ms. Freitag is an active CSA member at a local farm, and volunteers regularly. These endeavors support her core goal of sustainability and self-sufficiency, while encouraging community growth. Jessica believes that we have an obligation to educate and build responsibly for our future. "As construction professionals, we are on the frontlines of many of the decisions being made by our local communities. When we begin to look at the macro scale of the policies being implemented with regards to green technologies, and sustainably produced sources of energy, it will be nearly impossible to produce the amount of energy required to supply the globe with future green technologies. I believe globalism has reached its peak, and the only way forward is through local regenerative, sustainable community building. My desire is to change the way people interact starting at the most basic level of the community."

Managing Principal/Senior Project Manager – RCGA+DM Architects

Ms. Duphrezin-Surena is a Registered Licensed Architect and LEED Certified.

She has over 35 years of experience in design and construction development, with main concentration in the Aviation Terminal Building Industry.

Her professional talents in interpersonal and organizational skills, patience, discipline and practicality are essential during design planning and construction administration. With her supervisory skills and leadership qualities, she coordinates all RCGA efforts with sub-consultants from preliminary programming through design development through to construction and field observation and construction administration.

Ms. Duphrezin-Surena was assigned as Lead Architect on the New American Airlines Terminal 8 and the Sequenced Demolition of Delta Terminal 3 - JFK; both Project Packages of which were successfully completed on time.

As RCGA’s Managing Principal, she is at present heading our Design Team on the development of the New Terminal One Project – JFK; where she is coordinating the Demolition of the existing Delta Terminal 2 Building, AirTrain Station 2 and the Green Parking Garage. She is also managing the interior renovation of the existing American Airlines, Terminal 8 at JFK.

Ms. Duphrezin-Surena holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The City of College of New York School of Architecture and Environmental Studies.

She is a member of US Green Building Council, the Long Island Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the National Association of Female Executives.

She is a Recipient of the 2015 PWC Women of Achievement, a Recipient of Real Estate Weekly 2018 Leading Ladies, a Recipient of the 2021 Airport Voice Women of Achievement, a Recipient of the Queens PowerList of 2022 as well as a Recipient of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI) 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.