2024 Women in Construction: Leticia Blaya Fornataro, SWBR

“Leticia is a leader in the senior housing market. She is passionate about creating homes where elders thrive and can be active, social, and happy. She constantly seeks opportunities to improve lives, whether it’s creating new homes for seniors, guiding future leaders, empowering women in architecture, or impacting the community.” - Tom Gears, AIA, President at SWBR.

What recent project, accomplishment or award are you most proud of? I am proud of our local and regional senior housing relationships. We are working/have worked with every major provider in our area on their strategic planning and vision for repositioning not only their communities, but the senior living market. We’ve worked on several projects, transitioning aging nursing homes from a medical model to a household model, allowing our elders to age with dignity and choice in a home setting.

What do you like best about being a woman in the AEC industry? Being a woman in architecture is both rewarding and complex. Despite historical challenges, there has been progress in recognizing and respecting the role that women play in the industry. Our contributions are increasingly acknowledged, and our perspectives valued. Women in architecture navigate a landscape of progress, challenges, and creative fulfillment. It’s about contributing to the built environment, honoring trailblazers who came before us, and empowering the generation that will succeed us.