Aria Hill

Consider these numbers: According to the National Council of Architectural Registration, there are more than 116,000 licensed architects in the United States. Of these 2,378 or 2% are Black. Of these, 502 are Black women. That’s just 0.4% of the total number of licensed architects in the U.S.

As a double major in Architecture and Mathematics, Aria Hill pushes the boundaries and preconceived notions for what is possible for women in STEM and Black women in Architecture.

Her nominator wrote, “Aria Hill is a natural leader, born to move people through her words and actions. Aria consistently ensures that Architecture -- both at the college level and in the field itself -- is pushed to re-examine how diverse voices are represented. Aria tugs at these norms, serving on the Diversity in Architecture national panel; as founder and president of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies Student Coalition; and as president for the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students at Virginia Tech, where she coordinates meetings to ensure that marginalized architecture students feel welcome at this university.”

In 2021, Aria gave a TEDx Virginia Tech Talk on Changing the Face of Architecture. Her presentation has had more than 36,000 views.

Aria said, “Courageous Leadership is standing in the face of your trials and tribulations. It does not necessarily mean that you are the strongest or even the most resilient. It is the act of knowing yourself and what you value. For me, I know that I am a fierce believer in service of others. Therefore, despite obstacles in my path, I will stand up knowing I will not waver but will keep my eyes focused on how I can serve others.”

Aria is a 5th year senior double majoring in Architecture and Mathematics. She is the recipient of the Presidential Campus Enrichment Grant and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship.

In addition to hands-on experience with several architectural firms, Aria is co-founder and creative director of a multi-disciplinary design practice. She has served as a resident advisor, an ambassador, a research assistant, a teaching assistant, a tutor at the Math Emporium, and a computer lab assistant for the School of Architecture and Design.

She said, “My most rewarding memory at Virginia Tech is working as a summer instructor for the Inside Architecture and Design program. Being able to help high school students with an interest in design was empowering. I learned from them as much as they learned from me. Experiencing such a purely symbiotic relationship rooted in learning and understanding sparked my desire to become a future professor.”

Aria’s advice is this: “Disregard any anxieties or fears you may have about external perceptions of your own ability. You CAN do anything you put your mind to. I am most proud of my accomplishments as a dual degree candidate: the road was exceptionally difficult, but I am grateful to all of my professors, mentors, and motivators who encouraged me to finish the race.”

Aria, it is an honor to present to you the Aspire! Award for PREPARE FOR A LIFE OF COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP.