The First Black Woman to Earn a Doctor of Architecture Degree From the University of Hawaii

In the spring of 2022, Danielle McCleave achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first Black woman to earn a Doctor of Architecture degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) School of Architecture. Her achievement represents a significant leap in an industry where Black female architects account for a mere 0.4% of licensed architects in the United States—a figure that underscores both the rarity and the importance of her accomplishment.

Reflecting on her journey, Danielle shared, “When I first found out I would be the first Black woman to obtain this degree, I was hit with a variety of emotions. I was excited to be in this position of trailblazing, and I knew it would be encouraging for other Black women looking to get into design. I was also proud to have been here… but saddened that in 2022, there are still firsts like this to be had.” She added that this achievement felt “overdue” and highlighted the need for more inclusive representation in architecture and design.

Danielle’s journey to architecture started with a foundation in the arts. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, focusing on sculpture and painting, from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, which informed her aesthetic sensibilities and love for creative expression. Her diverse education led her to UH Mānoa, where she developed a passion for integrating culturally aware wellness into architectural design, exploring this concept in her award-winning thesis, Redesigning the Hood: Using Culturally Aware Wellness as a Tool to Inform Architectural Design. Her project received the prestigious Hawaiʻi Architectural Foundation Award, affirming her vision of creating equitable housing that resonates with the communities it serves.

During her time at UH Mānoa, Danielle encountered and overcame the unique challenges faced by women and minorities in the architecture field, which remains predominantly white and male. Despite these obstacles, she flourished under the mentorship of faculty like Professor Laura McGuire, who remarked, “It is vital that architects represent all walks of life and cultural experiences. Danielle’s achievement is a significant step in that direction.” Professor McGuire also noted that UH Mānoa’s reputation as one of the most ethnically diverse architecture schools in the nation is further enriched by Danielle’s milestone, paving the way for future Black students.

With a desire to effect lasting change, Danielle hopes her journey will inspire others from underrepresented backgrounds to enter architecture and design. “Representation matters,” she emphasized. “I hope that my journey can be an encouragement for other women and people of color to get into architecture and design.”

Danielle’s ambitions extend beyond professional milestones. Her architectural vision combines functionality with cultural and community-focused design, reflecting her belief that “great design is a right, not a privilege.” She is committed to equitable housing and culturally attuned design practices, merging her fine arts background with architecture to create spaces that promote mental and physical wellness.

Looking ahead, Danielle aims to continue her research in equitable housing while contributing to the field as an educator. She envisions a future where architecture is inclusive, accessible, and empowering, with her work as a blueprint for a more equitable design industry.

Francis Addo’s path to a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ashesi University in Ghana is a story of perseverance, vision, and remarkable transformation. Once employed as a cleaner at the very institution where he would later study, Francis’s rise from janitorial duties to a celebrated graduate has captured widespread admiration and serves as a beacon of hope for many.

Francis’s story began with a humble role at Ashesi University after he completed junior high school. During this time, he often engaged with students and staff, absorbing insights about Ashesi and planning how he could one day become a student there. This aspiration drove him through Senior High School, which he entered in 2015 with unwavering resolve to eventually attend Ashesi.

In 2019, Francis’s dream materialized when he secured admission to Ashesi as part of the Class of 2023—a journey he describes as “the best time” of his life. Over the next four years, he would go on to excel both academically and in campus life, making a lasting impact on the university community.

At Ashesi, Francis was not just a student; he became a vibrant member of the institution’s community. He joined the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program, an opportunity that allowed him to represent Ashesi at summits and conferences across Africa, broadening his worldview and enhancing his leadership skills. Francis also served on the Judicial Executive Council, offered mentorship to new students as a buddy, and played a pivotal role as a Resident Assistant in Walter Sisulu Hall, helping to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus environment. Click here to continue reading about Francis Addo.

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