DCNOMA President Telicious Robinson Advocates for Equity in Architecture at Inaugural AIA/NOMA Congressional Fly-in
Telicious Robinson and NOMA National Leadership during the AIA/NOMA Congressional Fly-in on Capitol Hill.
Washington, D.C. — April 2026 — Telicious Robinson, President of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (DCNOMA) and NOMA National Engage Chair, participated in the inaugural AIA/NOMA Congressional Fly-in, joining national leaders in a coordinated advocacy effort on Capitol Hill.
As part of this first-of-its-kind initiative, Robinson engaged directly with members of the Congressional Black Caucus and their offices to advance policy discussions impacting the architecture profession and the communities it serves. Meetings included engagement with Ritchie Torres (NY), Terri Sewell (AL), staff for Angela Alsobrooks (MD), Gabe Amo (RI), Emanuel Cleaver (MO), staff for Joyce Beatty (OH), Janelle Bynum (OR), and Maxine Waters (CA).
Held April 21–22 in Washington, D.C., the Congressional Fly-in brought together leaders from across the country for structured meetings with federal policymakers—marking a significant step in expanding NOMA’s national advocacy presence and establishing a foundation for what is anticipated to become an annual engagement.
A Foundational Moment for National Advocacy
Strategy dinner aligning national advocacy priorities
The advocacy effort began with a strategy session the evening prior, where delegation members aligned on messaging, priorities, and approach. Robinson served on the Blue Team delegation alongside Alexander Cochran, Alvin Brown, Reuben J. Hameed, Oswaldo Ortega, and Pascale Sablan, helping to maximize engagement across congressional offices.
“This was more than a visit to Capitol Hill—this was advocacy in action,” said Robinson. “As DCNOMA President, it was important to show up in these spaces and contribute to conversations shaping our profession and our communities.”
Advancing National Policy Priorities
Throughout the day, Robinson contributed to discussions aligned with national advocacy priorities, including:
Expanding housing access and supporting equitable neighborhood development
Increasing access to public procurement opportunities for minority-owned firms
Protecting architecture’s designation as a professional degree
Addressing student loan barriers
Advancing sustainable and high-performance design policies
Engagement with Congressional Leadership
A key moment of the day included closing discussions with Representative Maxine Waters, whose message to stand firm, know your value, and advocate boldly reinforced the importance of continued engagement.
“When you sit across from those shaping legislation that impacts how we practice, win work, and are valued—you understand why showing up matters,” Robinson said. “This is about access, equity, and the future of architecture.”
Robinson also recognized DCNOMA Secretary Reuben J. Hameed for his continued advocacy work through the American Institute of Architects|DC Advocacy Committee.
Looking Ahead
As the inaugural AIA/NOMA Congressional Fly-in, this effort marks the beginning of a more structured national advocacy platform for architects, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
“This is the work,” Robinson added. “Establishing a presence at the national level ensures our voices are part of the conversations shaping our profession—and this is just the beginning.”
About Telicious Robinson
Telicious Robinson is President of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (DCNOMA) and serves as NOMA National Engage Chair. She is a healthcare project manager with over a decade of experience and a dedicated advocate for equity, diversity, and community-centered design.