Complete Story
09/08/2025
10/2/25 DEI Coffee Talk with Jason Pugh, AICP
In today's shifting financial climate, funding is more challenging to secure than ever. Join the APA-IL's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for an empowering conversation with Jason Pugh, Principal & Global Director of Inclusion, Gensler, as we discuss strategies for navigating funding through
- Means - Leveraging tools, networks, and resources to secure funding.
- Dealing - Building partnerships and navigating negotiations.
- Moral - Staying grounded in equity and values while pursuing growth.
A Zoom link will be shared in your registration confirmation.
Speakers:
Jason Pugh, AIA, AICP, NOMA, LEED AP
Global Director of Inclusion, Design Manager, Principal
As the Global Director of Inclusion at Gensler, Jason promotes the firm’s commitments and furthers efforts to address unique challenges within each region and community through a global perspective. He is passionate about helping develop underserved communities and the next generation of designers and architects, while remaining connected to our clients and design work.
A Principal based in Gensler’s Chicago office, Jason manages projects that engage the community at-large, leading them from schematic community-based master plans through full construction. His portfolio includes master planning programs centered on cultural connectivity, public transit, and mixed-use development along with architectural projects spanning hospitality, commercial office and retail, residential, science research labs, and large university campus medical facilities across the country. He is driven by the belief that one project can change a community, and if we change enough communities, we can change the world.
Jason’s leadership is exemplified through his involvement as a co-Chair of Gensler’s Global Inclusion Committee, as well as his work with external organizations, including serving as the 2021-2022 National President of the National Organization of Minority Architects and sitting on Chicago’s Executive Board for the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentor Program.
Enrique Castillo
APA-IL Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer
As a planner I am dedicated to applying an equity lens in the planning process to serve communities and achieve upward mobility. My extensive experience, linked with my lived experience as a Planner of Color working on community projects, has driven my passion for advocating and elevating the voices of underserved communities.
Together, we can make DEI initiatives more intentional, fostering organic inclusion and strengthening the relationship between planners and the community. This will create a space for everyone to contribute their issues, concerns, and recommendations, leading to more impactful and inclusive planning.
