JANUARY PRESIDENTS LETTER

Dear NOMAct Community,

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Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026! As we step into this next chapter together, I am filled with gratitude, pride, and excitement for what lies ahead for NOMAct and our growing community.

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Over the past year, we have been intentional and strategic, laying critical groundwork through thoughtful planning, launching our first Project Pipeline Camp, and reaffirming a renewed mission rooted in equity, access, and collective advancement. These efforts have created real momentum, and in 2026, we are ready to transform that momentum into meaningful, lasting impact.

This year’s campaign theme, “Turning Momentum into Impact,” reflects where we are as an organization. Momentum represents our growth, continuity, and forward energy. Impact is what happens when vision becomes action, when planning translates into real opportunities, access, and outcomes for our community.

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We are proud of the tangible progress made this past year. In 2025, NOMAct awarded 15 ARE Scholarships, helping emerging professionals move closer to licensure, and we are committed to continuing this support in the year ahead. Our K12 outreach also expanded meaningfully, including a $3000 dollar scholarship awarded to support participation in the University of Hartford Summer Institute, as well as impactful K12 field trips and portfolio review sessions that introduced students to the possibilities within architecture and design. These initiatives reflect our commitment to supporting the pipeline, from early exposure to professional advancement.

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At the heart of NOMAct is people, our members, volunteers, partners, and supporters, who believe in the power of community. Progress is never achieved alone. It is built through mentorship, advocacy, and a shared willingness to uplift one another. I encourage each of you to stay engaged, participate in committees and programming, and continue strengthening the sense of village that defines NOMAct.

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None of this work would be possible without the generosity of our sponsors and partners. Your continued support allows us to expand programs, fund scholarships, and turn ideas into action. As we move forward, we welcome both returning and new partners to join us in advancing this mission.

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To our members, thank you for your commitment and belief in NOMAct. Your involvement fuels our impact, and together we will continue to create pathways, remove barriers, and amplify underrepresented voices in architecture.

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As we embark on 2026, let us move forward with purpose, confidence, and care for one another. I am honored to serve this community and excited for what we will accomplish together as we truly turn momentum into impact.

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With gratitude and optimism,

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Cassandra Archer, AIA NOMA

President, NOMAct