Kiley Naves, architectural job captain, began working for Galloway after graduating college. Since joining in 2019, she helped form and currently leads Galloway’s G-Pride network in fostering an inclusive community, supporting philanthropic efforts, and providing educational opportunities.
What inspired you to work in architecture?
I always liked drawing and art, even though I am not great at it, and wanted to pursue something artistic. I read a book in sixth grade with a main character who wanted to be an architect. I did not know what that was at the time, but I became obsessed with it. My parents bought me tons of architectural Lego sets. Ever since then, it gave me something to aspire to be.
Why did you choose Galloway?
As an architecture major, sometimes when you get out of college you have to decide if you want to focus on residential or commercial. Galloway offers a variety of project types. So even though I have pursued commercial projects, I do not feel pigeonholed into one area or unable to grow in a different area in the future.
What do you like about your job?
I like the fact that architecture combines all my interests. It has some engineering and art, and it is realistic. I enjoy creating buildings that will be used; it makes me feel grounded. I work on a lot of commercial projects and some multifamily, so I have a good foundation for me to build on as I progress throughout my career.
How did you become involved in G-Pride?
When I started working for Galloway, I thought maybe I was the only gay person here, and I wanted to be that representation for someone else. When you don’t see your community in the office you feel isolated.
I am not extremely involved in the LGBTQ+ community outside of work, but I was interested in what G-Pride could be, so I joined the committee and helped set up the kickoff event.
Being on the committee has helped me feel more comfortable and get to know people who have shared experiences. Navigating your sexuality in the workplace can be difficult, and I feel like G-Pride is a safe space for that.
Has being part of the LGBTQ+ community shaped who you are today?
Yes, but I don’t think it is profound. It is more subtle. I am just more open-minded than I was in the past because I have experienced some things and I understand what it is like for other people. I am more open-minded to people’s backgrounds and how that has shaped who they are today.
Is there anyone who has inspired you to be open about who you are?
I follow a lot of women’s sports because there are a lot of women athletes who are openly gay. No single individual sticks out to me, but it has been helpful to see them just holding hands with their girlfriends. That is inspiring because I feel like then I can do that too. I can own a space, I can take space to be myself, and I can show people that they can too.
What is your outlook on LGBTQ+ initiatives in the AEC industry?
I don’t know of any initiatives except Galloway’s, but I think sometimes it is enough just to be gay and in the industry. I am not an outspoken person, but I am here, and I am showing that people like us exist in every industry and not just in sports and entertainment.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
It means representation and actively seeing representation. I think that is the biggest thing and then learning how I can be that representation as well.
Galloway had a lunch and learn event during Pride month two years ago and Kristen Judish, PE, structural project engineer, and Galloway associate, talked about her life experience and her experience within Galloway. She was the first person I knew that was out in the office, and listening to her story and hearing her talk so openly about something sensitive was inspiring.
I thought if this was beneficial for me, then maybe me being less shy to talk about my girlfriend could help other people feel more comfortable to do the same.
That all stemmed from just having a conversation during Pride month. The month puts it in the forefront of people’s minds that there are people that you work with in this community, and it is okay.
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