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FIRST 500

Infinitely Increasing
Black Women in
Architecture

Our Mission

At FIRST 500, we elevate and celebrate Black Women Architects and raise awareness about their distinction through an excellent central community. FIRST 500 inspires Black women and girls to infinitely increase our licensed representation in the industry to better reflect the environments we serve.

“More people have been in space than there are licensed African American Women Architects! Tiara’s work with FIRST 500 contributes to changing this statistic ”

“FIRST 500 is an incredible organization that centers and celebrates the brilliance of Black women in architecture. It provides representation that not only affirms the accomplishments of current Black women architects, but it also allows little Black girls to see what’s possible. FIRST 500 will undoubtedly inspire the next 500.”

“African-American women have consistently represented the least recognized and smallest percentage of licensed architects in the United States. Rather than bemoan that reality, Tiara Hughes aggressively seeks to not only reverse that trend, but respect, highlight, and elevate these phenomenal professionals. Her groundbreaking project, First 500, blasts through the wall of exposure in the discipline, and serves as a beacon of light; not only to showcase the achievements of Black women, but to serve as an attainable inspiration for countless others to come.”

FIRST 500

is dedicated to

uplifting black women

architects

Raising Awareness

We elevate the visibility of Black Women Architects and communicate their lasting impact on the built environment.

Resourcing Her Roadmap

From youth to pre-licensed professionals, we provide tools and resources that allow Black Women Architects to enter the industry and build prosperous careers once there.

Building a Strong Community

We establish a supportive network of individuals where they can connect, thrive and grow together.

> 1 %

Licensed Architects

7 %

U.S. Population

2.5 %

Architecture Students

SHE TRANSFORMS

the spaces we
live, work, and play

When we create opportunities for licensed Black Women Architects in the U.S. to practice in the industry, we create opportunities and equity in our communities.

ALL licensed ARCHITECTS

US POPULATION

architecture students

2.5%

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THE PROFILES

Our community is made up of brilliant, creative licensed architects committed to shaping the blueprint of a better world and cultivating the next generation of Black architectural talent.

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FIRST 500

Infinitely Increasing
Black Women in
Architecture

Our Mission