Love-Stanley has long advocated for minority inclusion and diversity in the profession, as well as working to champion the causes of inner-city redevelopment, urban-neighborhood revitalization and preserving Atlanta's architectural heritage. She grew up in Meridian, Mississippi's public housing -- a background that would ultimately play a role in her career. She came to Georgia Tech, and in 1977 became the first African-American woman to graduate from the College of Architecture. She then went on to become the first licencsed African-American woman to become a licensed architect in the Southeast. In 1978, she co-founded Atlanta-based Stanley, Love-Stanley with her husband, William Stanley.

Watch the videos of her introduction (3 min.), http://bit.ly/1o4rAVI, and her acceptance (12 min.), http://1drv.ms/1kibvKK.

To the read the complete release from the AIA, go to http://bit.ly/1bOW7jF.