Her Story
About Afomia
My journey in architecture began all the way back in high school, where I was first introduced to the field through technical drawing classes. I discovered I had a strong passion for it and was good at it, so I started pursuing that path. I was fortunate enough to have people working at the school, including the school owner who was also an architect, which helped me build a foundation and gain hands-on experience with practical projects. I received a scholarship to move to the U.S. and study architecture, where I completed my professional degree. Then I obtained a merit scholarship to pursue graduate school at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. I've always had this passion to enhance and advance the built environment, specifically since that's where everyday living is shaped on a daily basis. Now, with about 6-7 months of professional experience, I'm joining a new firm as an architectural designer and planning and feasibility planner. My work focuses on the intersection of housing, climate, and what I call the care infrastructure - essentially how our built environments can better support people's everyday needs, especially in times of crisis and stress. I'm more of an entrepreneur at heart, so right now I'm building the connections and skills with good companies, and then hopefully within the next 5-8 years I'll branch out to build my own firm and nonprofit or organization.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Afomia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think less about personal growth in isolation and more about seeing what I do shaping the lives of others. That's what I want to pursue and continue doing. Having that broader perspective and expanding that growth throughout and beyond is another attribute that I continue to want to develop. It's really about the impact and being goal-driven, knowing the impact that I'm making on people's lives through the built environment.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say the advice is to truly follow the passion, because this is a field that requires your undivided devotion and attention. One is really having that strong passion, and then two, just giving it your all, and even at the worst times, just kind of have that vision for how we can change people's lives through the kinds of projects that we build. You have to be passion and impact driven, because there's going to be some challenges, but if it is a passion for you, it will continue to fuel you. I also think it's very important to really build relationships with key mentors throughout your journey. Surround yourself with good support and mentors, people who have gone through that journey and are already in the stage that you assume to be in the next 5 or more years. Having a great support system, whether it's your family, mentors, advisors, or friends, is very key. More importantly, never lose the confidence that you have and just believe in yourself. Journaling also helps - writing down your goals and plans definitely helps you stay on track. Everyone has their own trajectory and high points and low points, so don't always compare yourself with others, because you never know what the next week or day could look like.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of my most important values is being authentic and staying true to myself. I also really believe in having a community-driven impact. Thinking beyond oneself is another value that I always pursue as a mission throughout my work. It's about being visionary, seeing the impact before it happens, and understanding how I can make a difference in people's lives through the built environment.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Massachusetts
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.