MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Yiselle Santos Rivera

AIA, ACSA, NCARB, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, LSSYB, SHRM-SCP, WELL AP

Yiselle Santos Rivera: Designing for Belonging, Leading for Change

DCNOMA proudly spotlights Yiselle Santos Rivera, an architect, educator, and organizational strategist whose career reflects the transformative power of design when rooted in justice, empathy, and inclusion. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Yiselle has built a legacy that bridges cultures, disciplines, and communities—reminding us that architecture is not only about shaping space, but also about shaping society.

Rooted in Advocacy and Representation

Yiselle’s path into architecture was sparked by a love of drawing and storytelling nurtured by her mother, and later solidified during her studies at the University of Puerto Rico and Syracuse University. From early in her career, she recognized inequities in design and the absence of diverse voices at the decision-making table. That awareness has fueled her lifelong commitment to advocacy and representation.

Today, Yiselle is the AIA 2026 President-Elect and will serve as AIA President in 2027—the first Latina elected to this role. Her leadership reflects more than 15 years of professional practice across firms, academia, and grassroots initiatives, and is defined by her ability to align strategy with social impact.

Transforming Practice and Culture

Yiselle is the Founder & CEO of YSR, LLC, a Latina-owned consultancy advancing intercultural design, healthcare architecture, and organizational change. Formerly, as Global Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at HKS, she launched firmwide reforms, education initiatives, and partnerships that embedded equity into every layer of the practice.

Her portfolio includes major healthcare and institutional projects such as the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Surgical Pavilion, and Mount Sinai Hospital in Paraguay. Yet beyond buildings, her enduring focus is cultural transformation—ensuring that workplaces, classrooms, and communities are more inclusive, equitable, and resilient. She also co-founded LA.IDEA, AIA|DC’s Latin American design committee, and founded WIELD (Women Inspiring Emerging Leaders in Design), a national platform amplifying mentorship and visibility for women in the profession.

Teaching, Mentorship, and Impact

At Howard University, Yiselle is engaged in the development of the nation’s first HBCU-based Healthcare Architecture program, expanding pathways for underrepresented students. She also continues doctoral research in Leadership Psychology at William James College, exploring how neuroscience can inform more empathetic leadership.

As a dedicated member of DCNOMA, Yiselle has supported countless events and generously shared her story through panels and programs. Speaking openly about her journey as a woman of color, the good and the hard, she has become one of the most relatable, honest, and inspiring leaders our community has seen.

Her impact extends across volunteer and advisory roles in AIA, NOMA, NAAB, IIDA, LCI, and industry organizations. Whether presenting on equity frameworks, mentoring students, or advocating for systemic change, Yiselle’s presence is one of clarity, authenticity, and vision.

Recognition and Legacy

Yiselle’s contributions have been recognized with honors including the AIA Young Architects Award (2022), the Washington Business Journal Diversity in Business Award (2024), and the AIA Diversity Recognition Program Award (2019). Yet she remains most proud of cultivating safe, inclusive spaces where others can thrive.

Life Beyond the Work

Outside of her professional roles, Yiselle embraces her Puerto Rican roots, family connections, and the joy of mentoring emerging leaders. Her story is not only about personal achievement, but about lifting others as she rises, proving that leadership is most powerful when it builds community and belonging.

DCNOMA celebrates Yiselle Santos Rivera’s unwavering commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in architecture and beyond. Her journey reminds us that design is at its best when it centers people, empowers voices, and creates a future where everyone belongs.

“Tu voz importa, tu historia inspira, y tu liderazgo abrecaminos.”

(Your voice matters, your story inspires, and your leadership paves the way.).