Built by Her: Stories of Remarkable Latinas in Architecture

To celebrate Women's History Month 2026, the AIASF Latinx in Architecture Knowledge Community, together with Arquitina, is thrilled to host the Bay Area book launch of Latinas in Architecture Volume III featuring the architects and co-authors whose voices and work continue to shape the built environment. This special gathering honors their contributions, elevates their stories, and creates space for connection among architects, designers, and advocates committed to advancing women in architecture. Please join us in celebrating together and recognizing the collective impact of these remarkable leaders! Following a reading and panel discussion, there will be a book signing and networking. A limited number of books will be available for purchase. We look forward to seeing you!

Featured Authors:

Mariana Alvarez-Parga, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President, 19six Architects

Mariana Alvarez is a California-licensed architect and Vice President at 19six Architects. A graduate of the Universidad de Buenos Aires, she moved to the U.S. in 2000 and is a proud U.S. citizen. At 19six, she is known for her mentorship, strategic leadership, and ability to build strong client and team relationships, supporting firm growth, studio culture, and business development. She oversees multifamily housing and educational projects across the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento. Mariana has completed leadership programs at Stanford and CASH and remains active with AIA Silicon Valley. She is a frequent speaker on leadership, sustainability, and educational design and lives in Sacramento with her two daughters.

Melissa Iris Garcia, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA, Principal, Herman Coliver Locus Architecture

Melissa Iris Garcia is the newest principal at Herman Coliver Locus Architecture and has been with the office since 2000. This unique firm focuses on affordable and supportive housing and sacred spaces with 100% of clients being non-profit organizations. A Los Angeles native and graduate of UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design, she lives in San Francisco’s Mission district, and rides her bike to work every day.  Melissa believes designing socially and environmentally-resilient communities enables architecture to serve as a fulcrum for justice.  She has contributed to the design of over 1,200 units of affordable housing in the Bay Area. Each project is designed to improve and elevate its surroundings and embody its neighborhood’s, client’s and user’s needs, giving shape to their collective dreams and aspirations. She is an active member is AIASF LIA and NOMA promoting professional development, providing mentorship opportunities, and bringing awareness of Latinx culture and design through educational and community-oriented programs.

Geny Muñoz, AIA, EDAC, Assoc. DBIA, LEED AP, Project Architect, HOK

Geny Muñoz is a licensed California Architect based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 17 years in the industry, Geny found her passion in the Healthcare sector and has dedicated most of her career to delivering projects of various scales, from large hospitals to small tenant improvements. She has collaborated with providers such as Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and Stanford Medicine. Geny is an active member of AIA San Francisco’s Latinx in Architecture and NOMA, and regularly volunteers as a mentor with Arquitina, AIA East Bay, and ACE Transformative Partnerships.

Elisa Hernández Skaggs, Associate Principal, Page & Turnbull

Elisa Hernández Skaggs is an architect and Associate Principal at Page & Turnbull, a leading architecture and preservation firm. Elisa’s work ranges from large-scale rehabilitations to accessibility improvements that provide equal access to historic buildings. Her award-winning projects have revitalized communities and celebrated cultural identity. 

Elisa advances preservation through leadership and service. She served as Board Chair of San Francisco Heritage and is the 2026 Chair of the AIA Historic Resources Committee Advisory Group. Elisa serves on the AIASF’s Latinos in Architecture steering committee, developing programs to benefit the Latinx design community and support Latinx students through scholarships and mentorship.