A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Heather graduated from the University of Cincinnati's Design, Art, Architecture and Planning program. "The intensity of design school is an experience that shapes how I work for AIA," she notes. "I understand the passion and dedication required to help translate ideas into the built environment." As the former Director of Programs and Communications for one of the largest AIA Chapters in the nation--AIA North Carolina, she gained valuable knowledge of the Institute and its goals for the membership. Heather maintains her interest in cities, and is an invited juror for design classes at the University of Utah's School of Architecture and Planning, and teaches leadership skills and professional development to young architects through a series of mentoring lectures. Etiquette, resume and interview skills, soft skills, and network building are at the top of her list for the successful transition from internship to licensure. She'll be presenting "Ethical Urban Design in Architecture" alongside a panel of experts at the AIA National convention and expo in May 2015.With a background in urban planning, transportation planning, neighborhood revitalization and cultural preservation, Heather has spent over 15 years studying urban environments and the ways we use them. "I have learned how to identify and advocate for underserved or threatened populations in organizational settings; designing a course toward restored social and physical communities."Named one of 2014's "40 under 40" by Utah Design and Construction Magazine, Heather is available for speaking engagements on leadership in design.