Although I live far from New Orleans, I take to heart the words of my fellow board member Casius Pealer, who says, "Be a New Orleanian, wherever you are." Since I love-love-love New Orleans, it is my honor to support Colloqate Design, and I hope you can join me today for GiveNOLA Day.

Since 2017, I have been serving as a board member with Colloqate Design, a non-profit architecture, organizing, and advocacy practice leading in the movement for design justice. This year, I am supporting Colloqate's fundraising drive for the annual GiveNOLA Day campaign, and I am asking you to join me in making a contribution to support their vital work. I have set a personal fundraising goal of $500, and invite you to make a donation with me.

Colloqate operates out of two small studios, with a team of 12 across New Orleans and Portland. But their reach and influence is national in scale. In this moment of increasing attacks on non-profits and professionals who center justice and equity, the architecture industry cannot stand idly by. 

Our impacts are profound and span generations, and we need to invest in systemic change to build a society where everyone can thrive. This is the greatest design challenge we can participate in, and Colloqate's team is as committed as ever. As a board member, I share this commitment, and I hope you will too.