September Chapter Leader of the Month: Intellect Chen

Intellect Chen is just starting out on the journey of architecture. A senior at Brooklyn Technical High School in Brooklyn, New York, she is the school’s current chapter president and past chapter secretary. Though the year is just beginning, she has been working hard planning the best ways to serve her members- and the work has paid off as Brooklyn Tech continuously serves as a model for other High School chapters in our organization. 

Last year, her chapter was entirely virtual, but that didn’t stop them, with the executive board trying to find as many remote alternatives as possible to projects they normally would have in person. Understanding that even in a virtual space, their members needed experiences that could simulate their knowledge of architecture and their creative capabilities, they began with introductions into drawing techniques and eventually moved onto a larger-scale home design project. Intellect truly appreciates her members’ individuality, working to give them opportunities to express their personal styles and find practical ways to incorporate their ideas into realistic scenarios.

Our Northeast Quad Director, Liz Caccavano, had this to say about her: “Intellect Chen is the new Chapter President of one of our high school chapters, Brooklyn Technical High School, and she is paving the way for high school students to see what architecture can be, offering them the resources to succeed. Intellect comes to every Quad meeting with an awesome attitude and is always wanting to learn more about AIAS and how it can help her school. It has been a pleasure working with Intellect the past few months and I can not wait to see how she grows within our organization.”

This year, she and her team have even higher hopes, intending to have members explore new mediums of expression: whether it be 3D modeling with foam board or generating unique pieces using charcoal and paint. Intellect shared, “We hope that our members will test their artistic limits and develop their skill set as potential architects of the future.” Knowing that architecture does not happen in a bubble, they are also looking into collaborations with Brooklyn Tech’s chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers to encourage interaction with other professions and build their members’ teamwork abilities. Lastly, with the return of in-person activities and the wonderful city of New York at their school’s doorsteps, she and her team plan on taking members on museum/architecture field trips and get outdoors on walking tours to build community, motivate peers to get outside, and just have fun! 

We’re sure to see amazing things come from Intellect and her chapter at Brooklyn Tech this year and in the future!