““Diversity is a fact, inclusion is a practice and equity is a goal.””
BRIC is a collaborative effort by people with different skills, talents and stories. All unified by the understanding that they and their work are part of a bigger network. A single brick part of a wall, conscious of the need for more than one brick to build anything at all.
Although the organization has its roots in Philadelphia, we welcome the process to be replicated wherever unification is needed. Build the world you want to see, BRIC by BRIC.
MEMBERS
Verónica Ayala
Co-Founder/Co-Director
is originally from Puerto Rico, yet currently calls Philadelphia her home.
She studied Architecture at Temple University and possesses a tireless concern in urban affairs. She is most passionate about how the built environment affects our daily lives, and believes in everyone's ability to participate in a greater conversation; one that affects the way we live and the pursuit to improve it.
Daniel Cruz
Co-Founder
is a Temple University graduate with a bachelors of science in architecture. He has called Kensington, Philadelphia home his entire life but has gone to high school and college in the North Philadelphia section of the city. Daniel has witnessed urban blight in these communities and hopes to use BRIC and architecture to bring about change to the North Philadelphia area.
Connor McCabe
Co-Director
Connor has been working with BRIC since 2015 and has since received his Bachelor’s of Science in Architecture from Temple University in 2017. He has worked with renowned design activists such as Pepon Osorio, Lily Yeh, and Ekene Ijeoma on community related design interventions. During his time with BRIC Connor has been heavily involved with directing the Sharing Stories project and continuing the Stadium Talk research.
Diamante Ortiz
University Ambassador
is a Political Science major (Class of 2020), with a deep passion for grassroots organizing. Born and raised on the Southside of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where she began understanding the impact of gentrification. Later on, as she attended Temple University and witnessed in her first year, the mass effects of gentrification and the growing tension between the campus and residing neighborhoods. Diamante began to get involved in her community by joining B.R.I.C. in Spring 2017. Since joining, she serves as campus liaison and works alongside multiple organizations that implement community service. One day, she hopes to see a larger partnerships in North Philadelphia through events and initiatives that could bridge the gap.
Lauren Benegas - Graphics Department
Nhat Nguyen - Graphics Department
Kerry Hohenstein - Graphics Department
Monesha Carter - Cultural Relations
Monesha studied Psychology at Texas State University, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Theology Cultural Anthropology at Eastern University. Monesha’s passions has led her to reconcile cultural relations through anthropology (study of humans) and psychology, in the Philadelphia community. Monesha plans to pursue a career as a Psychological Anthropologist after graduation to further elevate, educate and empower people and communities all over the world.
Prior to joining the Philly Bric team, Monesha worked with victims of domestic violence, where she offered support, crisis intervention, and state resources.
Monesha is a lover of Jesus, travel, food, education, social justice movements, and laughing with friends and family.
Isaac Howland - Outreach Department
Johan Samarxhi - Website Management
Become a Partner
If you would like to partner with us, fill out the form below and one of our staff members will get back to you.