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Sustainable solutions. Risks and vulnerabilities. An ever-evolving landscape. Social conscience. Leadership. Perseverance. Ingenuity.
Women's History Month Spotlight on Member Sara Yehia
March 17, 2022
Women’s History Month—a time to both reaffirm and uphold the historical importance, achievements, and influence of women on the built environment. ULI is committed to pursuing unrelenting efforts to shape the built environment toward diverse, equitable, inclusive communities. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are the pillars of sustainable, thriving communities. We commit to leading the charge, striving to inspire widespread change by example. We will work tirelessly across the real estate industry to ensure that our communities are equitable by design.
The Institute’s commitment to addressing the industry’s gender gap is formally seen through the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI). Over the years, the WLI network has striven to support the development of women throughout their careers and increase the visibility of women leaders within ULI and beyond. This month, we are excited to celebrate these accomplishments and amplify the ongoing efforts by women and allies to gain further ground in having women’s voices be heard.
Spotlight on Sara Yehia, AIA
Architect | Founding Principal
Kenzy Architects
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career.
I am the founding principal and the sole owner of Kenzy Architects. I have been practicing architecture since 2004 and designed over a million square feet of buildings, from corporate office and higher education to retail, restaurants, residential and industrial.
My power as an architect comes from my ability to deeply connect and engage with people, identifying their goals and bringing their vision to reality but with a creative twist. I strive to influence positivity along the path of a project to ensure not only a successful outcome but also a collaborative and creative process.
Why are you a member of ULI?
I have been a member of ULI for 5 years now and I will always be a member. Being an active member in ULI and serving on several committees is an essential part of my professional and personal growth, it inspired me to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. ULI provided me with the platform to express my voice and implement positive change in our industry and the local community.
As an Architect, ULI provided me with a broader knowledge of the built environment beyond design. I’ve learned more about development, real estate, and finances. I’ve gained a better holistic understanding of how great projects come together from the birth of an idea to completion.
Through ULI, I’ve gotten to meet great people who became my mentors, mentees, clients, partners, collaborators, friends, personal advisors, role models and inspirations.
What has been your favorite local ULI program, event, or committee to be involved in?
My favorite is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. I am proud to serve as the first Chair for the new DEI committee in its first two years. This challenge and responsibility align with my passion towards DEI efforts especially as it relates to the built environment and its related industries. I am also a member of the ULI Arizona Advisory Board which is a great opportunity to serve ULI by bringing thought leadership as well as learning from some of the greatest minds in our industry.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
My biggest professional accomplishment is establishing my own firm – Kenzy Architects. Not only have I started Kenzy Architects from the ground up, but to have it grow and flourish during the pandemic is a huge achievement. Kenzy provides both architectural and interior design services for commercial projects including office, medical office, retail, restaurants, industrial, and adaptive reuse.
What mantra do you live by?
Always keep moving forward; the only failure is giving up.