KEYNOTE SPOTLIGHT
RACE TO THE FUTURE? From Artificial Intelligence to Abundant Imagination
What does it mean to build justice into the very structures where we live, work, and gather? In this visionary keynote, Dr. Ruha Benjamin—Princeton professor and author of Race After Technology and Imagination: A Manifesto—invites architects, planners, and designers to examine how the built environment intersects with systems of inequality, surveillance, and technological bias. As today’s political landscape brings renewed attention to civil rights rollbacks, discriminatory zoning practices, and the racialized deployment of surveillance technologies in public space, Dr. Benjamin draws from her groundbreaking concept of the "New Jim Code" to expose how architecture and design can unwittingly replicate systemic harm. Yet she also offers an inspiring framework for reimagining design as a tool of resistance, care, and collective liberation.


Heal Our Cities: An Intimate Conversation with the Family of Michael Brown
On Friday, October 10th, join President Bryan C. Lee Jr. with Cal and Michael Brown Sr. for a keynote luncheon exploring the vital role of community centers in today’s cities. Through personal stories and powerful dialogue, they will highlight how these spaces can heal, unite, and empower neighborhoods, serving as anchors of resilience and equity. Don’t miss this important conversation at the 2025 NOMA Conference in Kansas City.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), established in 1971 to eradicate the effect of racism in our profession, today remains committed to the diversification of the architecture and design industry and the increase of licensed Black and minority architects. With the largest NOMA membership to date, our more than 3,800 members from 46 professional chapters and 128 student chapters, are a force that push boundaries and break barriers to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

NOMA was founded by architects who saw the need to advocate for the architecture and design industry to be more inclusive, cultivate emerging talent that is often overlooked, and create more equitable communities. We continue this fight for the profession today.
CONFERENCE MISSION
NOMA’s mission is to empower our local chapters and membership to foster justice and equity in communities of color through outreach, community advocacy, professional development, and mentorship.
WHAT TO EXPECT

FUTURE UNFOLDING
SPEAKERS
Over 60 sessions of premiere seminars, workshops & premiere keynotes present opportunities for CEUs, discussion, and education on relevant topics and projects across three days. Dynamic and engaging keynotes present on emerging trends and topics in the AEC fields.
NETWORKING
Connect with firm leaders, emerging professionals, NOMAS students, and allied professionals that showcase diversity in the design field.
RECOGNITION
NOMA acknowledges outstanding projects by member chapters, firms and practitioners, finalists for the Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition, and outstanding achievements by NOMA Chapters and members at the Annual Awards Banquet. Elevation of the member work as best in the industry will be honored at the Phil Freelon Professional Design Awards.
T
he NOMA Kansas City Chapter is proud to welcome you to the 2025 NOMA Annual Conference: Future Unfolding!
Kansas City is a city on the move—famous for jazz, BBQ, sports, and now, for bold growth and innovation. As we prepare to host the 2026 World Cup and continue reshaping our downtown, we’re asking: how do we build a future that’s truly equitable and inclusive?
This year’s theme challenges us to reflect, reimagine, and take action. Kansas City’s spirit of resilience, creativity, and community pride is everywhere—from 18th & Vine to the Crossroads Arts District, from iconic stadiums to pioneering small businesses.
Founded in 2019, the Kansas City NOMA Chapter is honored to host this year’s gathering. Together, let’s celebrate, connect, and shape a future that uplifts everyone.
Welcome to Future Unfolding—and welcome to Kansas City!

NOMA CONFERENCE ATTENDEES

The 2024 NOMA Conference hosted in Baltimore, Maryland reached
1,500+
participants
NOMA membership has increased in recent years to
3,800+
members - and growing!
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- 1,500+ architects, designers and allied professionals
- 500+ students from accredited schools of architecture
- 70+ exhibitors from nationally recognized firms, organizations, and universities
- 40+ teams competing in the Student Design Competition
- 30+ member firms competing in the Professional Design Awards
- 40+ professional NOMA Chapters competing for the competitive Chapter of the Year
- 3000+ members to consider for the coveted Member of the Year