Anina Mbilinyi

Since childhood, I’ve passionately stood against injustice, instilled with a sense of compassion by my baba, Professor Simon Michael Mhelema Mbilinyi. Since entering the Architecture profession in the 1990’s, I quickly realized that I needed to be that same advocate for myself and others in this field. As a woman, a working and single parent, a Black professional in Midwest culture, an immigrant, and a proud Tanzanian member of the African Diaspora, I’ve faced many challenges in a predominantly white and male corporate structure. Because of these various identities, I faced discrimination and was often deemed unprofessional for merely existing in these spaces. I was often labeled as “difficult to work with,” or “unprofessional” for not conforming to social norms that many times I was unaware of due to cultural differences. Unfortunately, across my 30-year career, the Design industry remains relatively unchanged, with many organizations still lacking women and people of color in leadership positions. Since 2020, I’ve partnered with organizations to raise awareness about these deeply-rooted issues. However, many corporate DEI efforts, despite their intentions, remain performative, are ineffective, and lack tangible results, while sometimes even exacerbating existing problems. Hostile work environments for people of color and women still persist, contributing to stress, mental illness, and chronic health issues among these populations, a pattern that has impacted me personally. At 54, having endured decades of injustices, my goal is to prevent others from facing similar struggles. I’ve mentored many individuals over the years, and my advocacy now emphasizes addressing the pervasive impact on mental health within marginalized communities. Beginning my career as one of the few Black licensed architects in Wisconsin, I often found myself the only immigrant, woman, and person of color at the table. To this day, 16% of all licensed architects are people of color, and less than 1% of all licensed architects in the U.S. and Canada are Black women, emphasizing the enduring lack of equity in the field. While circumstances have improved for women, the architecture industry must confront the workplace bullying, nepotism, and biased job advancement structures that serve as the main barriers to marginalized peoples’ longevity and success in Architecture. In addition to the individual mentoring that has been always a part of my career, I now openly advocate for equitable practices at work, at public events, and through publishing articles on the issue. My commitment extends beyond Wisconsin, recognizing the global impact of climate change on the African Diaspora. Volunteering internationally, I leverage my architectural and sustainability expertise to address climate and environmental justice issues. These efforts align with the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which examines both sustainability and social impact to better the environment for its inhabitants. My love for architecture and helping vulnerable communities are now intertwined, bringing me more fulfillment as an architect. As I navigate this next phase of my life, guided by the legacies of faith, love, humanity, and wealth left by my late father, I find hope and freedom. Integrating these values into my parenting and sharing them globally, I strive to leave behind a legacy of humanity through my work and advocacy.