Series “In My Own Words”: This episode of The Conversation Continues Podcast features Cabello Costa from Interface, who shares his journey from growing up in Brazil to building a life and career in the United States. He reflects on how his childhood memories shaped his perspective, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and the experience of overcoming language barriers. Cabello talks about finding meaningful connections, breaking stereotypes, and embracing new opportunities with resilience and determination. His story highlights the power of perseverance, the importance of community, and the personal growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

In honor of Women’s Month, we’re celebrating women in construction with Daniela Ortega. Daniela shares her remarkable journey from being a stay-at-home mom to founding an all-female painting business—and now thriving as a Design Coordinator at Catalina Paints.

In this episode, she opens up about navigating a male-dominated industry, overcoming imposter syndrome, and discovering confidence through creativity and community. Her story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, pursue your passion, and make a lasting impact—on your own terms.

We’re also proud to welcome Catalina Paints as a new IIDA SoCal Chapter sponsor—and what better way to kick off our partnership than by featuring one of their own? Huge thanks to Daniela for sharing her story and helping us honor Women’s History Month in such an inspiring way.

Sponsor:
Taylor Design
At Taylor Design we firmly believe that great design can empower people to be, and do, their best. Serving clients for over 45 years with offices across California, our practice delivers architecture, interior design, medical planning, lab planning and design strategy services in the healthcare, science and technology, higher education, and senior living sectors.
www.wearetaylor.com

Series “Unspoken Words”: This episode of The Conversation Continues Podcast features Lauren Wagner and Teresa Endres from Taylor Design, who share their deeply personal journeys as cancer survivors and how their experiences reshaped their approach to healthcare design. Lauren and Teresa discuss the challenges of treatment, the emotional toll of recovery, and the gaps in patient-centered care that inspired them to create the Ideal Cancer Center, a reimagined approach to oncology facilities. They highlight the importance of empathetic design, from improved arrival experiences to holistic recovery spaces that support both patients and caregivers. Through their powerful storytelling, they shed light on the need for advocacy in healthcare, the significance of community support, and the transformative impact of designing with compassion. Their conversation offers a compelling perspective on how personal hardship can drive meaningful change in the built environment, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of design and human resilience.

Link to the Tech Talk

The Ideal Cancer Center: Improving Designs through the Patient’s Lens

Series brought to you by:

CubeWorld

http://www.cubeworldusa.com/

Series Open Mic: In this special episode, we celebrate Black History Month with an inspiring conversation featuring Dr. Patience Bryant, Executive Director for Black Student Academic Success at CSUF. Patience’s journey to CSUF is nothing short of passionate and powerful, and her dedication to uplifting students is truly motivating. Tune in to hear her story and learn about the incredible programs and resources available for students and faculty.

Dr. Bryant’s passion and wisdom make this a conversation you won’t want to miss. Listen now! 🎧 #BlackHistoryMonth #CSUF #StudentSuccess #CampusResources

Series “Living Your Truth”: This episode of The Conversation Continues Podcast features Mabel and Noelan, the creative minds behind Blooms and Poems, a unique studio that blends floral arrangements with poetry. Mabel, an interior designer, and Noelan, an economist-turned-poet, share their journey of self-discovery, artistic exploration, and entrepreneurship. They discuss how personal challenges, including career shifts and a silent retreat, led them to embrace creativity in unexpected ways. The couple candidly reflects on the dynamics of working together, the influence of cultural backgrounds, and the importance of stepping outside comfort zones. Through their story, the episode highlights the power of self-expression, the beauty of impermanence, and the courage to redefine success on one’s own terms.

www.bloomsandpoems.com

Link to their Instagram account

Sponsor:
Taylor Design
At Taylor Design we firmly believe that great design can empower people to be, and do, their best. Serving clients for over 45 years with offices across California, our practice delivers architecture, interior design, medical planning, lab planning and design strategy services in the healthcare, science and technology, higher education, and senior living sectors.
www.wearetaylor.com

This episode of the Conversation Continuous Podcast features Chaza Toulain, a Syrian-born architect who shares her remarkable journey of cultural adaptation across three countries. Chaza recounts her experiences growing up in France, readjusting to life in Syria, and ultimately building a new life in the United States. She candidly discusses the challenges of language barriers, career rebuilding, and social integration, while emphasizing the importance of flexibility and positivity. Chaza's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, as she navigated cultural shocks, overcame stereotypes, and transformed setbacks into opportunities. Her insights on maintaining cultural roots, the value of journaling, and the impact of multilingualism offer listeners a thoughtful perspective on embracing diversity and personal growth. Through Chaza's experiences, the podcast illuminates the complexities and rewards of multicultural living in today's globalized world.

Sponsor:
OFS
www.ofs.com
Imagine a Place

In today’s episode, interior designer Weina Li shares her fascinating journey from growing up in China to building a career and life in the U.S. She openly discusses the cultural shocks, challenges of being an older student, and struggles with confidence she faced along the way. Weina offers inspirational advice about stepping out of your comfort zone, being yourself rather than seeking perfection, and the importance of staying connected to your cultural roots. With warmth and wisdom, she celebrates how an incredible support system of friends and mentors guided her multicultural path, inspiring listeners to embrace their own unique journeys.

Sponsor:
OFS
www.ofs.com
Imagine a Place