Congratulations to our 2024 Student Recognition Award Winners
Student Recognition
PWC Philadelphia launched our Recognition Program to promote women who are pursuing careers in AEC industries. The program is meant to highlight our industry, encourage the growth of the talent pipeline, and celebrate our future peers. Candidates will be considered for social media recognition, a (1) year student membership, and the opportunity to sit on the PWC Board for one (1) year. Select candidates will also earn a financial award.
The application process for 2025 will open in Spring 2025.
Maki SAN MIGUEL Paulson Award
The committee will select one submission for the Margarita “Maki” San Miguel Paulson award. This award will go to the candidate who best embodies Maki’s passion for life including her commitment to making the world a better place. With this award, we trust the recipient to work and live with the same positive intent.
Maki was a special and treasured person and committed herself to the PWC Philadelphia chapter’s success in all ways. She was always growing, discovering, and contributing. She sought to live her ideals and, in the most active and practical ways, to make our world a better place. Not only generous and supportive with friends and family, her loving efforts extended to the larger world.
Maki was a lifelong advocate for the environment, green buildings, and sustainable living. She used her professional architectural talents, energies as a volunteer, and lifestyle choices to that end. She spent 30 years as a practicing architect, and 17 years as a LEED consultant for area firms. Maki cofounded Design Support Services-Philly, bringing it to profitability in 3 years. As the principal of Verde Architecture Consulting, she ran a sustainability consulting firm for commercial architecture, including LEED administration, building envelope modeling, and building envelope commissioning.
As a volunteer, she did architectural studies and drawings for Habitat for Humanity, Philadelphia, and Lansdowne Friends; worked on the Lower Merion Environmental Advisory Council; was a Policy and Advocacy member of Green Building United; and a cofounder of Community Design Collaborative.
Maki was one of the first members of the PWC Philadelphia Chapter, an integral part of the Joining Committee throughout her time with PWC, and a founding member of the DEI Task Force; lending her voice, perspective, and support at every turn. We will miss her always.
To be eligible to apply, each candidate must be a woman who is either:
- A high school senior
- A full or part time college student
- A full or part time graduate degree student
- A trade school student
While this recognition is not specifically need based, circumstances may factor into our selections
Applicants must also:
- Be enrolled to earn a degree or certificate in an A/E/C related field (or intend to enroll in the aforementioned for high school seniors)
- Be sponsored by a PWC Philadelphia member firm or individual. Don't have a PWC contact? Email us and we can help! Indicate "Student Recognition Connection" in the subject line and someone from PWC will reach out to discuss.
- Reside in the Greater Philadelphia region or attend a school in the area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland)