Today on “Living Your Truth” we are thrilled to spotlight
a new campaign, “I Am IIDA.” Joining us for this special
episode is Justin Castillo, our Vice President of
Membership.

Justin will share his personal journey into the design
industry — how it all began, the challenges he faced, and
the ways he overcame adversity to become the best
version of himself. He’ll also reflect on how joining IIDA
years ago ultimately led him to his current leadership role
on the IIDA Southern California Board.

His genuine passion for life and people is sure to inspire
you — and perhaps help you discover something new
within yourself. Join us for this meaningful and authentic
conversation with Justin Castillo.

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

I’m excited to announce our next episode, which will delve into the pillars of sustainability, specifically examining how irresponsible overproduction, manufacturing, and development practices are impacting many neighborhoods. Our focus is on disadvantaged communities, where these practices have resulted in adverse effects on health, cultural identity, and social standing.

We will:

- Explore the key pillars of sustainability

- Highlight the challenges faced by communities impacted by unsustainable practices

- Discuss the interplay between environmental, social, and economic factors

This discussion will set the stage for a more in-depth exploration during our upcoming panel discussion on August 13, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. We're eager to create a collaborative environment for exchanging ideas and identifying actionable solutions to help these communities thrive.

This series is brought to you by our sponsor Bently Mills

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the IIDA EDI Southern California Chapter!

We are launching a new series on our podcast, focusing on sustainability. This endeavor has been in the making for some time, and we’re excited to finally kick it off! 🌿 Our new platform will dedicatedly support all things substantial, allowing us to dive deep into the crucial topic of sustainability.

We are honored to announce that Bently Mills will be our sponsor for this series, celebrating our shared commitment to bring important discussions around sustainability to our members.

As part of this initiative, we will also be rolling out a new EDI Sustainable Ambassador role, alongside an **EDI Sustainable Student Ambassador Role. These positions are designed to engage our community in these vital conversations and further contribute to our mission.

We are excited to invite you to today's podcast, where we will engage in a fascinating and insightful discussion about artificial intelligence. More importantly, we will delve into the essential topic of ensuring that AI is more inclusive.

Joining us is the incredibly talented Tovah Cook, who is taking on the daunting challenge of addressing not only AI itself but also the complexities and dysphoria that it presents to new users. Tovah will share insights on how we can overcome these obstacles to obtain the most relevant data and insights when seeking AI's support in critical areas of industry growth.

As we see AI making its mark in sectors like healthcare, business development, design, architecture, and education, it is clear that the potential applications are vast. However, we must remember that the information fed into AI must reflect the forefront of our society and the communities we serve.

This is where innovative thinkers like Tovah Cook play a crucial role. Her expertise highlights the importance of inclusivity in AI development, and her vision makes her a true change-maker for our future.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, engage, and be inspired!

This Week on Open Mic: We're joined by Kevin Maxwell, National Manager at Cube World USA, for an inside look at how they're transforming workspaces across the country.

Whether you're furnishing a new office or upgrading an existing space, Cube World USA offers turnkey solutions for projects of any size. Kevin shares practical tips, industry trends, and what sets Cube World apart when it comes to planning, furnishing, and servicing offices, facilities, and more.

Learn more at cubeworldusa.com

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/