Equity-Washing? Let’s Have a Real Conversation About Equity in the Profession - 1.25 PDH (LA CES/HSW)

Recorded On: 10/11/2025

How do we move beyond DEI rhetoric that proclaims a commitment to creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizations, projects, and society? The word “equity” has become an integral part of our profession, but what does it truly mean, and how can we ensure it’s more than a buzzword?

Learning objectives:

Understand the historical context and current realities of inequities.
Focus on an understanding of the complexities of privilege and intersectionality, while also fostering discussion and reflection.
Foster a deeper understanding of privilege and oppression by encouraging participants to reflect on their own experiences and those of others.
Discuss three key actions to actualize equity in our work: Get Informed, Have an Open Mind, and Be an Advocate. Explore how true equity goes beyond policy by fostering empathy, engaging with diverse perspectives, and creating inclusive, values-driven environments through intentional, community-centered practices.

Kate Brooks, ASLA, PLA

Associate Principal

ZGF Architects

Kate Brooks is a Landscape Architect and Urban Designer with 18 years of professional experience in a broad range of landscape architecture, site planning, and urban design work. Her project experience includes the design of public open spaces, large-scale mixed-use developments, transit and streetscape design, campus and master plans as well as landscapes for U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.

Born and raised in Colorado, Kate’s connection to the outdoors inspired her path to environmental design. She is passionate about implementing resilient and sustainable design strategies and believes biophilic design is essential to connecting humans and communities with the built environment.

Paul Fragua (Pueblo of Jemez), Affil. ASLA

Elder-In-Residence and Director of Native Nations Strategy and Relations

MIG, Inc.

Paul Fragua is a firekeeper, runner, architect, and cultural interpreter who has dedicated his life to keeping the fires of Indigenous inherent sovereignty and self-determination burning. A cord between cultures and communities, he is known for bringing visibility to the invisible and translating Indigenous values into meaningful action. With more than four decades of experience, Paul specializes in strategic planning, master planning, resource development, and technical assistance that strengthens Native Nations and Indigenous communities. His work has earned the respect of Tribal leaders, federal agencies, philanthropic organizations, and community partners alike. Through his practice, mentorship, and advocacy, Paul advances Indigenous leadership, cultural continuity, and community resilience with wisdom, humility, and a deep commitment to future generations.

Arathi Gowda, AIA, AICP, LFA, LEED BD+C

Principal

ZGF

Arathi Gowda leads ZGF's East Coast Sustainability practice and is a firmwide Project Performance resource. She is also the founder of Yes Praxes, established in 2021 to help accelerate a just climate transition. As an educator she is committed to training the next generation of practitioners having taught coursework on sustainable urbanism at multiple universities, most recently she is an adjunct faculty member at Northwestern University’s Institute for Sustainability and Energy. In 2025 she was honored with the American Institute of Architects Fellowship, their highest membership honor for exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society.