UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The College of Arts and Architecture’s Multicultural Programs Office sponsored Penn State’s third annual Women of Color in Arts and Design Symposium Thursday, Oct. 24, in 112 Borland Building. The event featured a panel discussion with seven College of Arts and Architecture alumni, who discussed their career passions and goals and the struggles of being women of color in their respective fields.
Participants included:
— Monique McCray, class of 1997, bachelor of arts in architecture; architect and president of the Philadelphia chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects
— Chadtalin Sinthorn, class of 2014, bachelor of arts in art history; junior art director at Warner Music Group
— Mercedes Ward, class of 2011, bachelor of landscape architecture in landscape architecture; RLA, ASLA, landscape architect with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation
— Emilee Taylor, class of 1974, bachelor of science in art education; art educator and adjunct faculty member at Moore College of Art and Design
— Samantha Josaphat, class of 2012, bachelor of architecture in architecture; RA, NOMA, LEED GA, architect and principal of Studio 397 Architecture and adjunct architecture faculty member at the City College of New York
— Stori Ayers, class of 2014, master of fine arts in theatre; actor, director, producer and founder of [RARE] Lotus Productions and Penn State Theatre faculty member
— Meliza Fermin, class of 2004, bachelor of arts in integrative arts; Emmy Award-winner and senior visual effects artist for Encore and Deluxe Entertainment Services Group
“I believe it is important to have this symposium to tell the varied stories of women of color — their successes, challenges, triumphs and defeats,” said symposium organizer Curt Marshall, coordinator of multicultural affairs and recruitment in the College of Arts and Architecture. “We also want to help inspire today’s students in art and design to pursue their dreams.”
The panel was moderated by Kikora Franklin, associate professor of theater. For more information, contact Curt Marshall at cem2@psu.edu.