Join our New York City group for our Annual Career Workshop, a day dedicated to giving queer and ally professionals the competitive edge they need to thrive. This event is vital for those looking to navigate the nuances of the design, construction, and real estate industry with confidence and authenticity. Attendees will walk away with insider recruitment secrets, polished portfolios, and a strengthened professional network that feels more like family than a formal association. We’re blending expert-led panels with high-impact, hands-on breakout sessions to ensure your career launch is nothing short of legendary.
Register here!
Registration is free but space is limited so be sure to secure your spot today!
The Event Agenda
10:00am–10:30am :: Arrival & Check-In Kick off the morning by meeting fellow attendees and getting settled for a day of growth.
10:30am–12:00pm :: Panel Presentation & Discussion An engaging deep-dive with HR experts on the "dos and don'ts" of resumes, portfolios, and interviews.
12:00pm–1:00pm :: Lunch & Networking Fuel up with some pizza while making meaningful connections with peers and industry leaders.
1:00pm–3:30pm :: Break-Out Groups Get personalized, one-on-one feedback and practice your pitch in mock interviews.
3:30pm–4:00pm :: Closing Remarks Wrap up the day with final insights, Q&A, and next steps to implement what you’ve learned.
What To Expect
Actionable Advice :: Skip the generic tips and get real-world strategies directly from the recruiters hiring in our industry today.
Personalized Feedback :: Stop wondering if your portfolio works—get direct, supportive critiques from seasoned pros.
Genuine Connection :: Meet a community of students and recent grads who are navigating the same path as you.
Confidence Boost :: Leave the "imposter syndrome" at the door and gain the tools to own your space in the workforce.
Insider Access :: Hear exactly what hiring managers are looking for when they review queer and ally candidates.
Meet out Speakers
Shannon Rodriguez is the Director of Human Resources at FXCollaborative, where she has spent nearly two decades helping recruit, mentor, and train talent in the architecture and design industry. Known for her expertise in building inclusive hiring practices and supporting diverse voices, Shannon offers a wealth of knowledge on creating resumes and portfolios that leave a lasting impression.
Dara Osur is Gensler’s Northeast Regional Recruiting Manager. She brings 20 years of experience recruiting for one of the largest global design firms. Her deep understanding of what recruiters seek in candidates, combined with her HR expertise, makes her an invaluable resource for attendees preparing to stand out in a competitive market.
Still have questions?
Please reach out to Malachi Pursley at mpursley@buildoutalliance.org with questions or for more information.