JULY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 2024

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | JOY CUNNINGHAM

Joy Cunningham, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Associate

This month, we are highlighting one of most dedicated and valued DCNOMA members.

CELEBRATING JOY CUNNINGHAM

Joy Noel Cunningham is a distinguished Architectural Job Captain at MG2, where she excels in providing design and technical production leadership for the Client Programs market. Her impressive portfolio includes successful projects with prominent companies like Costco and Target. As a rising leader at MG2, Joy received the Jerry Lee Community Engagement Award in 2021 and was nominated for the Emerging Professionals Award.

Representation is vital for attracting Black talent to the industry. Joy is dedicated to introducing architecture and design to Black boys and girls, especially those from lower-income and marginalized communities. She mentors through the Competitive Employment Opportunities (CEO) Program, a premier mentoring and internship initiative for students with disabilities in Washington DC Public Schools. Joy values building diverse collaborative environments that drive significant changes, such as improving processes and business practices.

Since joining DCNOMA, Joy has actively volunteered her time for various events, often hosting them at MG2. Her contributions have been recognized in web and social media outlets, including America's Hidden Gem and Beyond the Built Environment, which highlight the achievements of diverse professionals in architecture and design.

Joy has been committed to community service from a young age. During her tenure at MG2, she participated in AIA Northern Virginia's Canstruction competition for two consecutive years and joined MG2's Habitat for Humanity Women's Build team to help address Northern Virginia's housing issues. Internally, she serves as the Client Programs market representative for MG2's Community Engagement Committee.

Joy holds a Bachelor’s of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Her undergraduate thesis project ignited her passion for designing buildings that leave lasting impressions on visitors and communities. She aims to transform and enhance surroundings and unify people of diverse backgrounds through her architectural designs. Joy's expertise in green building principles has earned her the LEED Green Associate credential. She is also pursuing architectural licensure by completing NCARB experience hours and licensure exams to achieve her highest career potential.