With the goal of providing a space for meaningful dialogue between professionals and students, the School of Architecture held the "Build, Create, and Inspire" forum. This event sought to open a candid conversation about the professional path, the challenges of architectural practice, and the many ways to practice the discipline, all from the perspective of prominent female architects.
The invited speakers—Ms. Patricia Pereyra, Ms. Yadira Pérez Leal, and Architect Lourdes Nieva—were selected for their outstanding professional careers within the Aguascalientes community and for representing different areas of development in architecture: research, education, business management, urban planning, and photography. This diversity allowed students to gain a broad understanding of the various possibilities offered by the program at UP.
The forum was especially valuable for the students' professional development, as it allowed them to hear firsthand the experiences, lessons, and advice of women with years of experience in the field. The questions were developed by the students themselves through a pre-event form, which fostered an engaging, relevant conversation connected to their real concerns.
In addition to encouraging reflection on their professional future, the event also sought to inspire and strengthen networks between generations of architects, promoting a more critical, diverse, and supportive academic community.
During the forum, several key ideas considered fundamental for students were highlighted. The growing importance of international experience as an enriching element for their careers was emphasized. The need for continuous technical learning was also underscored, particularly in relation to emerging technologies that are transforming architectural practice. A particularly inspiring message was that every project, regardless of size, represents a valuable opportunity for learning and professional growth. The speakers shared the view that the academic program offered by our university is future-oriented, preparing students for a broad and ever-evolving career field.