Kaylee is a designer at the Miller Hull Partnership. She graduated from NewSchool of Architecture and Design in 2020 with a Bachelor of Architecture and a double minor in Construction Management and Healthy Urbanism. As an undergraduate, Kaylee served as Student Council President from 2017 to 2019 and as NewSchool's AIAS chapter Vice-President from 2018 to 2019. During her vice-presidency, the AIAS chapter was awarded the Chapter Honor Award. Along with serving as President of the NewSchool Foundation, Kaylee serves as Secretary for C-3 San Diego, and a committee member with the San Diego Architectural Foundation.

Mike is a designer at domusstudio architecture. He completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree at NewSchool with a double minor in Healthy Urbanism and Graphic Design. Along with being a board member for the NewSchool Foundation, he has served on the AIAS-NewSchool board, AIA San Diego Board, and is currently the Licensing Advisor for Southern California. Mike is an active member of the local design community and volunteers with nonprofit organizations and arts institutions. He is an advocate for equitable housing solutions and has a passion for community design.

Steve is a third-generation residential builder and real estate developer specializing in sustainable urban infill townhouses. He is a licensed contractor and real estate broker. In addition to his work with the Foundation Steve is active in the North Park Community Association and San Diego Green Building Council.

Dame is an Honorable Service US Navy veteran and Construction Manager with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, 2019 NSAD Alumni. She is presently serving those who serve as a WSP Consultant in Federal Programs. As the managing partner on a tri-venture AE, Dame is the Assistant Deputy Project Manager for the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP)’s Multi Mission Dry Dock (M2D2, presently Dry Dock 3) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.

Dame is also actively engaged with the local community in San Diego. She was awarded Mentor of the Year in 2021 and continues to serve as a Team Leader and Mentor with ACE Mentoring San Diego. Through hers and peers’ networks, she organizes construction site visits, firm / office visits, college tours, presentations, and workshops in addition to bi-weekly mentoring of scholars at e3 Civic High School.

As a Haitian immigrant, Dame strongly advocates for equity, diversity, and inclusion in every circle; she brings DEI to the forefront and plans innovative initiatives with her peers and charges on through execution.

Naomi is the Librarian for the Richard P. Welsch Library at NewSchool of Architecture and Design. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a Master of Library and Information Science and has a background in Sociology. Naomi is also part-time Faculty at NewSchool of Architecture and Design, teaching in the Integrative Studies Department. As a Librarian, and Professor, she is committed to reducing barriers in education.

Mike's career exemplifies the essence of planning. His vision and ability has inspired students, colleagues, community leaders and activists, resulting in an enhanced and invigorated quality of life in San Diego, nationally and internationally. He is a professor of architecture and urban design at NewSchool and a principal in Stepner Design Group. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a Fellow of the Institute of Urban Design, and a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Mike also served as San Diego City Architect from 1988 to 1992 and later for the San Diego Economic Development Corporation as director of planning and housing.

Stephen is President of the San Diego Housing Federation. He graduated form NewSchool of Architecture and Design in 2005, and has a 20-year history working in community and economic development in the Mid-City region of San Diego. Stephen served as Executive Director of the El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement District, where he was responsible for implementing an economic development strategy for an aging commercial district. He later served as an advisor to then-San Diego City Council member Toni Atkins on issues related to redevelopment, infrastructure financing, small business support, and the City’s General Plan (the “City of Villages”.) Since then he has served as volunteer board member and President of the City Heights Community Development Corporation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing, employment opportunities, and quality neighborhoods in the community of City Heights. Stephen was President of the NewSchool Foundation Board from 2011 to 2017.

Kevin, as principal of Kevin deFreitas Architects, has had the good fortune of many exceptional collaborations resulting in a diverse portfolio of recognized projects, a public restroom on the sand in Ocean Beach for the City, a rammed earth chapel on the Rincon Indian Reservation, custom residences, urban infill rowhomes, and several commissions on the UCSD campus including Galbraith Hall, Warren College bridges, and Computer Science + Engineering renovations.

Kevin is also an active board member of the San Diego Architectural Foundation and a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. He greatly enjoys live music, sharing a meal with just about anybody, laughing out loud, and coaching a variety of youth sports that one of his four children happen to be playing.

Nick is a designer at DLR group with a focus on K-12 Projects. He completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree at NewSchool of Architecture and Design with a Minor in Construction Management in 2023. As an undergraduate, Nick served on the board of AIAS and Student Council.  He maintains that the best supplement to his education and now career is staying involved with the local design community. Now, top of mind for Nick, is his pursuit of architecture licensure. 

Bio coming soon.

Roy is an outgoing and driven 2nd year graduate student who has previously journeyed through business and marketing, now pursuing his passion for architecture and innovation. With a deep appreciation for human-centric designs, he enjoys hands-on learning experiences and embraces any challenge they may bring. Roy’s goal is to become a licensed architect upon graduation while seeking opportunities to learn, foster change, and contribute to community education and development initiatives. He intends to bring his passion, skills, student point of view, and more to the NewSchool Foundation Board.