Inspiring the Next Generation: Dorris Hwang and Valerie Alvarado Join the IRC Summer Academy Career Day

This summer, Wilmot Sanz designers Dorris Hwang and Valerie Alvarado took part in the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) Summer Academy Career Day—an event dedicated to expanding career exposure for refugee youth across our region. Hosted at New Hope Academy in Landover Hills, the program invites professionals to share their stories, daily work, and pathways into their fields with both middle- and high-school students.

For Dorris and Valerie, the invitation was an opportunity to connect with students who may be discovering architecture and design for the first time. Through hands-on demonstrations and informal conversations, they introduced young learners to the world of healthcare design—showing how creativity, problem-solving, and compassion come together to shape the spaces where people heal.

Engaging Students Through Storytelling and Demonstration

Career Day is designed as an immersive experience. Volunteers rotate through classrooms speaking to small groups for a few minutes at a time, sharing what a typical workday looks like, what education paths exist, and what they love about their careers. Demonstrations are encouraged, offering students a tangible glimpse into each profession. Later in the event, students circulate through career-booth stations where they can ask questions, explore materials, and learn more directly from each presenter.

Dorris and Valerie showcased examples from recent healthcare projects, models, and interior finish palettes to help students understand how design decisions influence patient comfort, staff workflow, and overall care experiences. They inspired curiosity—especially among students who may not yet see themselves in creative or technical fields.

A Shared Commitment to Community

At Wilmot Sanz, we believe design has the power to strengthen communities. Supporting events like the IRC Summer Academy Career Day reflects our commitment not only to building environments that care for others, but also to uplifting the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.

We’re proud of Dorris and Valerie for representing our studio and for helping young refugee students imagine new possibilities for their futures. Their participation embodies the values that shape our work every day: empathy, collaboration, and the belief that great ideas can come from anywhere.