25 Mar Celebrating Women in Architecture: V’s Commitment to Leadership, Mentorship, and Sustainability
March marked an inspiring and historic month for women in Puerto Rico’s architectural industry, and V Architecture was proud to be at the forefront of multiple initiatives highlighting female architects’ impact. As part of Women’s History Month, our team actively participated in three significant events that underscore our commitment to fostering leadership, mentorship, and sustainable design. Our female leaders—Ilia Ríos, Jessica Díaz, Marialy Pérez, and Rebeca Irizarry—continue to shape the architectural landscape of Puerto Rico and beyond, championing inclusivity and innovation in the industry.
The Launch of Women in Architecture (WIA) Puerto Rico
On March 19, 2025, AIA Puerto Rico officially launched the Women in Architecture (WIA) Committee, an initiative dedicated to empowering women architects, fostering equity, and strengthening professional networks. V Architecture’s own Marialy Pérez Rodríguez took a leadership role as Committee Counselor, advocating for mentorship and professional development opportunities for women in the field. Her involvement ensures that the next generation of female architects has the support and resources to thrive. The WIA initiative aligns with a broader national movement, and its establishment in Puerto Rico marks a significant step toward a more inclusive and equitable profession. The female leadership at V Architecture highlights the growing impact of women in a traditionally male-dominated field, reflecting our firm’s dedication to excellence and diversity.
Inspiring Generations Through Architectural Storytelling
As part of Women’s History Month, the AIA WIA hosted the event Encaminadas Juntas: Mujeres Inspirando Generaciones, which celebrated the journeys of five distinguished Puerto Rican architects. Among them was V Architecture’s Jessica Díaz Bras, Architect and Senior Sustainable & Project Manager, who shared her story in a compelling presentation. In just ten slides, Jessica conveyed her inspirations, challenges, and vision for the future of architecture. Her participation in this event was a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and storytelling in shaping the aspirations of future female architects. By sharing her experiences, Jessica inspires young designers to pursue their ambitions with confidence and resilience.
Sustainability and Mentorship: The LEED Journey
V Architecture’s dedication to sustainability goes beyond our projects—it extends into education and mentorship. Our President and Managing Principal, Ilia M. Ríos, was invited by the USGBC Student Chapter of the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico to deliver an educational talk titled The LEED Journey: Certifying Sustainable Buildings. With nearly three decades of experience and a specialization in green building, Ilia is a leading advocate for sustainable design. During her presentation, she highlighted V’s LEED journey to certify buildings and showcased V Architecture’s experience in LEED-certified projects. Jessica Díaz, Architect & Senior Sustainable Manager in charge of the sustainable practice at V, shared the Leed statistics of three Certified Projects and one in process, including the Leed project checklist and strategies.
V Architecture’s dedication to professional development was further reflected in the presence of our very own V Junior, Alejandra Quiñonez, who serves as vice president of the USGBC Student Chapter at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico’s School of Architecture. Her involvement underscores our firm’s commitment to mentoring and supporting the next generation of architects.
Women Leading the Future of Architecture
The collective impact of V Architecture’s female leadership—Ilia Ríos, Jessica Díaz, Marialy Pérez, and Rebeca Irizarry—continues to shape the industry through advocacy, education, and innovative design. Their dedication to sustainability, mentorship, and professional growth paves the way for a more inclusive future in architecture. The establishment of WIA Puerto Rico, the recognition of female voices through Encaminadas Juntas, and the commitment to green building education all reinforce women’s crucial role in shaping the built environment.
V Architecture is proud to support initiatives that empower women in architecture. We ensure that their voices are heard, their contributions are recognized, and their leadership continues to drive progress in Puerto Rico and beyond. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive architectural future.
