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Freire Charter - Wilmington + Benita Cooper · AccessCo Leaders Career Conversations

• AccessCo Leaders: Welcome, Freire Charter at Wilmington and our guest, Benita Cooper. Benita is the owner and principal architect at Benita Cooper Design, also the founder and president of the Best Day of My Life So Far nonprofit, Harvard graduate. So we are honored to have you on to speak with our guests today. I'm so to be here. Thank you. Thank you. Tell us a little bit about your role ⁓ in Benita Cooper Design? Yeah, all the things. So my background and training is an architect, but as a firm, also do, we do architecture, design, interior, exterior, hardscape, and we also have a subset of the firm, which is a fabrication shop, and we make custom furniture, building signage, all the things. So besides Doing the work, I take very seriously my job as a leader, a team builder of the firm. So I put a lot of time into training my staff, mentoring my staff, and making sure that we all operate as one smooth, united team. All right, yeah, the training is so important to what you can all accomplish as a team. Yeah. It starts in the beginning. you were named a woman of strong character and fortitude by the New Jersey Senate. That is quite an accolade. How you get there? Well, I'm very lucky in my life and career to get, you know, accolades like that beyond my wildest dreams. I think I got that certificate as a surprise during an award ceremony for some other award. which was, I think, business leader. This was back in 2019. And they like surprised me with the extra certificate from the New Jersey Senate. So all these things, you know, really helped me reflect on, you know, my role, not just within the business, but in the community, in the world. And I take very seriously these little opportunities to talk with younger people, because I want to make sure every of you know whatever you want to do is truly possible. We love that. And that's exactly what we're doing here with AccessCo Leaders. So thank you for speaking to that and for work within the community and continuing to propel and up everybody around So we appreciate all that. Just a couple more questions for me, and then I'll turn it over to the students. Tell us where did you grow up? then I think we know where you're based now, but if you want to touch on that. Yeah, so I am speaking with everybody from Haddonfield, New Jersey, where I live. So my firm is based out of New Jersey, but also Philadelphia. I born in Seattle. Then from ⁓ when was a baby to 12 years old, I grew up in Hong Kong. And then I grew up in Seattle again when I was a teenager. I actually went to high school started, ⁓ I skipped high school and went to college early at age 15. And so was at University of Washington. And then I worked and then I went to grad school at Harvard that's in Boston and then moved to Philly. And then ⁓ now I'm Hanfield. Who knows to you. So you were you were graduating university when when we're most of us were starting out. So that's very impressive. So middle school. Were you just working so hard academically? Did you already know you wanted to be an architect or? ⁓ I loved school. Truly. I especially loved math and ⁓ but I also love to read English books. And in Hong Kong, you learn English in school, but you speak it. ⁓ You speak ⁓ Cantonese, at least, you know, the politics have changed. But when I grew up, you speak Cantonese and only learn English at school. But because I loved reading so much, I was able to speak fluently when my family moved to Seattle immediately. So that allowed me to, I think, continue with my love of school without any kind of like language ⁓ or fear of it. it wasn't like I was working like any harder than anybody else. I just was, I think a sponge. I just soaked up knowledge. I always a very curious young girl, I Okay. And it seems like that's living within you today and continuing to push you today with all you continue to take on, start up, accomplish. Thank you. Yeah, so I'm going go ahead and turn it over to our students. Hassan, what's your first question for Benita? inspired you the most to become an architect? I when I was a young girl, would I would see a hotel or set foot in a hotel, I would be so mesmerized by the ability of a physical space to create an atmosphere and for that atmosphere to bring people together and also emotion. When it came time to select a major in college, I selected both art and architecture. It was just a natural fit for me to pick architecture because I always liked math and art. As I studied more, I realized the power of architecture and there are several layers to that. One layer is its ability to connect past present and future. There's the history of all that came before. There's the present needs of whatever your clients or your community has. And there's the need for the architecture to live on. So the power of architecture in the context of time. There's also the power of architecture to do more than what, let's say, spoken word can do. really is a reflection of culture and the community that the building is placed in. So I was also drawn to that power, the power of place and culture. And more than all of that, I realized that architecture is a way to improve the quality of life for people. This could happen in someone's home. You can improve the quality of a family in their home. This can also happen if you work on, let's say, a vacant building. that building comes alive, the street can come alive and then the neighborhood can come alive and the city can come alive. And just thought, you know, for me, architecture is a very fulfilling. way to contribute to society. That's amazing. Thank you for sharing all of that. We love hearing that and the legacy aspect of it also how much it gives back to the community and gives the community a sense of pride and how you're very integral in that. And I'm sure that continues to be exciting, you know, even in a long standing career every day, every project is different. so ⁓ exciting, thrilling. All right, we're coming over to you, Kahnae What did you have? My question is, what advice would you give to young people who want to start their own business or work in architecture? So it is a question for both types of people. Some would be business in all in any and all business, and some would be architecture and some obviously a combination. I think. I really believe good business is about making a difference. It's so much more than just making quick money. if of you want to start a business, I think it's important to spend time to journal and reflect on the ⁓ of what you want to do and see it as a means of somebody's life better in any way. You could do that with anything, with food, with music, anything. I think good business also about longevity and loyalty. ⁓ And longevity is not just of the company, it's of your ability to endure all the ups and downs and struggles that it will bring you through the years. Loyalty is about building your team and cultivating that culture, which is so different from the world we. see, which is short attention spans and, you know, people jumping from this and that. I think if you have loyalty longevity ⁓ a purpose behind your business, you will be successful. If you want to be an architect, similar things apply if you want to start your own firm. If you want to, but, but it's also an option to work under, you know, somebody else's umbrella and you shouldn't feel that that's lesser than starting your own firm because some people are meant for different settings, you know? I think if you want to be an architect, start by walking up and down your neighborhood and staring at every building. It doesn't matter what kind of neighborhood you live in, there's always something to learn. And it's not just the ⁓ physical of the houses and buildings, it's what they mean. And what they mean come from the way people experience the physical spaces. It comes from the way the buildings wear. It comes from little tiny details. And so just start by being observant. And then, you know, the rest of it is skills you can learn through schooling. But yeah, if you start by being observant. that will be a perfect way to begin a good journey as an architect. Okay, so starting out with knowing your why and having that be your driving force every day. What exactly do I want to accomplish and why to keep you going? ⁓ And I love how you spoke to slowing down a little bit. I often like to think of finding moments of awe in each day, just Walking around in a different look at the trees, but the way you describe that for buildings and just slowing down and really soaking in the essence and finding the time to ⁓ let that inspiration spark. So I think that's great for everybody to hear in this day and age. Carmelo, we have you up next. What is one of the most challenging projects you have done? to actually find challenge in every project, like how I like to find meaning in every project. So I've done so many unique things. Do you the building Divine Lorraine, for example, on ⁓ North Broad with the big ⁓ sign up It's a very, very old building ⁓ and I was lucky enough to have been hired for not just one, but many of the food and entertainment spaces. And when I was hired, the spaces in the building were mostly underground. was, you know, water damage and it looked like a mess. ⁓ was technically difficult to get it all fixed ⁓ then to get it. beautiful and durable so that people can go there and enjoy the spaces and the significance of working in a historical building right in the middle of town is huge because you have no choice but to do a good job. You have one chance, building ⁓ one moment in time. And understood the pressure and I loved the pressure. At the same time, it's always a very healthy challenge to work for any family for their homes even if it's just to update a few bathrooms or a kitchen because every family is truly and financially invested in ⁓ know whatever ⁓ they're making in their house. It's a lot It's a lot of money and like hassle and time for the family. the challenges are not just technical. It's also being able to be the family's emotional support through the process. And a human type of challenge. And I that just as seriously as the technical challenges of designing a very iconic building. Okay, so you like being uncomfortable, huh? Yeah, I like to keep things exciting, you know, I never do any twice. I don't like to do cookie cutter projects, because I think that takes the inspiration out of the mix. I like to stay inspired at all times. Okay, and that's by getting uncomfortable, putting yourselves ⁓ new situations and feeling that pressure. Yeah. Diamonds, that's how diamonds are born, right? All right, Janiyah we're coming to you. What habits made the biggest differences in your success? Gosh, I have to continually ask myself that question. I'm now, I'm going to be 46 this year. And how old are all of you? What's the, they're all seniors in high school. Okay. So at different points in life, I think it's important to. ⁓ learn different habits and get rid of old bad habits. you're young ⁓ when I was young, I'm ⁓ even sure if I was focused on making habits. Like I saying before, I was just such a curious person. I just absorbed whatever life brought me. It wasn't until I was... Gosh, not even my twenties, maybe thirties and forties that I started being more mindful of things. Definitely personal time management is huge and that takes on different shape. I think as my career was growing and more and more was coming at me, it's about how to do ⁓ more things, more efficiently. It's about, you know, spending every minute wisely rather than, you know, time linger on, on a simple thing and getting stuck. But in a way it's almost the opposite now. What I'm trying to do is to make sure I have clarity of mind, ⁓ of thought, which is important as a leader. And in order to do that, I have to make time to rest. That's almost... the exact opposite of what I was trying to work on like 10 years ago. I was trying to do more back then. Now I have to actually take time to do less so that when I'm actually working, I can be super sharp. so yeah, I think, I think it changes ⁓ I grow. and have to understand what my role and identity is ⁓ as, know, as my career evolves too. Okay. And delegating and the team around you, I'm sure is largely important to that as well. And that's why you put so much into your training and leadership. Yes. All right. I think we have Mr. Henley stepping in to speak for question is, what is something that most people don't know about the job or most surprising about the job of an architect? When I was going to school and even, you know, whenever you see an architect in a movie or a book, it always appears like one person is walking around and doing it all. And that could not be more far from the truth. Teamwork is so important and I think it should be celebrated. I love celebrating. wins and giving credit to, you know, the people I mentor who work on my team. At the same time, if anything goes wrong, I always want to make sure I take responsibility on behalf of my team. Because it's always the leader's fault, but it should always be the team's credit, I think. So yeah, the importance of teamwork and collaboration. And I think that a good building is result of good teamwork. It's many other things too, but good teamwork is a key ingredient. Okay. And I love that piece about accountability and how that relates to leadership too. We definitely different versions of that often. So thank you for ⁓ speaking the way you do it and highlighting that, because I think that should be the way. ⁓ She is interested in architecture. So if she had a follow up question or speak a little bit to her next steps. And if you could give her any or mentorship ⁓ as she begins to jump into that, it'd be appreciated. Sure. ⁓ okay. question I have is what about if you're losing interest right now? Cause it seems like it's going to take a very long time in order to get to where I would want to be as an architect. ⁓ so you, can ask the question one more time or in other words, you're afraid of losing interest because it's a long, long training process. Yeah. Like how long would it take to how do you stay motivated in architecture? How do you stay motivated? Okay. That's a great way of asking that question. It is a very, very long and hard road. I do not want to pretend it's not. It is especially hard for a young woman. I think the more you embrace it the beginning, the better. think calling it out for what it is early on will allow you to kind of face all those challenges head on. The road is hard because you can only learn so much in a book and at school and until you start working, you don't really see how, you know, things are really done. And it's not just about designing something beautiful on paper. It's really about working with people. getting people to see your vision, getting them to build your vision. And there are a gazillion people to convince, like lead, to have the people work together well. And, I would love to see, you know, as many young women who drawn to the profession to pursue it as hard ⁓ they can. It is very male dominated, especially in leadership roles. But if you're about it, I don't think you should let that stop you ⁓ at all, you ⁓ I think no way to like up time, but anything that's worth doing takes time. And, you know, decades later, you're going to thank your younger self for it. Definitely. So Kshish, I'll ask you, why do you want to be an architect? I think I've always wanted to be, I like design. I like seeing designs of building. So I think that led me towards wanting to be an architect. Okay. And what did you think about what Benita just shared about sticking through it? And there'll be a lot of no's, but you got to be your driving force of yes and believing in yourself to push through. I feel like if I actually sit down and think about it, like if I think about actually going through, am I willing to put in the effort in everything? Then I could definitely go through architecture. Is there anything else you're considering? You can definitely do it, but I'm just wondering if there's anything else you're considering. I think something else I would consider was anything with computer science. OK. Benita, did you have an additional word or two for her as she kind of starts to make that decision and consider? Quiet time with yourself is best. Take the time from this conversation. but also time reflecting on it after we're done talking. And you gotta follow your heart. Take all advice you can from other people, but then listen to your heart first and foremost. I mean, I've always stayed with my original choice. I know other people have gone to... college and change careers. So I can't speak to other people's experiences, but for me, I know I said I was lucky early on. I guess I was lucky enough that I chose something that just fit me so well that I was able to, stay with. And all I can say is it's gonna be worth it. Like when, when you come through, to the other side, whatever the other side is, the memories of how hard it was makes it that much more special. Yeah, think students feel a lot of pressure to choose one way. ⁓ And that an option. And I'm so glad that you ⁓ found that you love. Can you speak to maybe how they could narrow that down? Or it's also OK if they don't choose just one too. ⁓ to your experience about selecting the right choice for yourself. Yeah, I mean, first of all, you're still very young and I think, you know, no point like thinking in terms of years because it's hard to, you know, know how life is gonna ⁓ ⁓ the future. Just backwards rather than forwards about special memories. in your own lifetimes that have made you truly inspired and happy, in a deep way. go back to that, the moments that make you feel like truly yourself. I really the answer ⁓ is in of your heart, ⁓ not in else's. Love that. Thank you for that. It's beautiful. coming over to Janiyah. She has a heart of gold. She's a senior and is considering being a psychiatrist. Janiyah, can you speak to that a little bit more and Benita can share some advice? ⁓ I'm also kind of in the same boat as Kshish. I really am passionate about being a psychiatrist, but it's also like one of those fields where it would take a long time to build yourself up and it would take a long time to firstly build yourself up in school and then even after you graduate it takes a while. But I do think that what you're saying is very true and that the answer is deep in my heart and I feel like the answer is I should just push through with it because I know it's something that would make me like genuinely happy in my life. That's amazing. All right. Any advice to her? I'm kind of, you know, as she steps into something that seems so hard to accomplish, I think you've got it. Like I, I almost think there's nothing more I need to say, except go for it. You know, sometimes you're going to have a bad day or need to take a break and that's fine. Like in the, ⁓ know, big scheme of things. There will be little glitches, but yeah, just go for it and go through all the ups and downs and just enjoy the journey of growth. You were in school for a very long time. When you look back on that, do you think of, my gosh, that was so long? how do you look back on that I enjoyed going to school as a kid. I enjoyed going to school. college and grad school, all of it I thought was so fun, honestly. I never thought of it ⁓ work. mean, it was... I don't know, like college is a lot of fun. It's not just books. You get to meet friends. You, most of all, I loved the opportunity to find myself and be myself, you know? and then grad school, I also made new friends and, you know, got deeper into my understanding of architecture. yeah, I don't know. I guess maybe, maybe, I don't know if it's like unique, but like I always thought school. was fun and now I think work is fun. I don't know if that's just me. Janiyah, does that resonate with you at all or what are you thinking of what Benita is sharing? Yes, I feel like for both of those settings, it seems like you had a true passion for school it seems like you definitely have a true passion for your work. So that resonates with me because I feel like I'll find work as being less of a chore. I'll find it fun because I'm passionate about psychology. Beautiful. Well, go for it. ⁓ We are rooting for you all the way to the top. Carmelo, Carmelo is our chill dude, our senior as well, but let's hear a little bit more about what you're planning to do ⁓ as you graduate. I only have one plan. I want to go to school to be a pediatric nurse because I have three brothers and three sisters. I'm not, no, I have four brothers. I just have a new brother. I have four brothers and three sisters and I'm the oldest of all of them. So I just want to like expand on like children and stuff because I'm always around children. Beautiful. I had a note that you want to work from home. That doesn't exactly sound like a pediatric nurse. No. Well, in the span of things, as Mr. Joe said, you can't always. He said something me. He said something inspirational to me. He was like, you can't ⁓ just be like always a got to want to actually do more. So I really thought about it. Amazing. So is there any worries you have about jumping into that? Are you already very interested by the sciences? The school. What school I want to go to. That's like the biggest thing. I don't know. I don't know exactly what school. Because I got into four. I just got to narrow down which one I actually want to go to. Way to go. Amazing. Benita, can you speak to some good habits as he jumps into this? a long time of school as well. Yeah, well, obviously that's a great problem to have having to pick a school with now that you have multiple options. Love that your siblings are your inspiration. That is such a good, strong foundation. And I know you were described as a very calm, chill dude, but your passion shows through. gosh, you can't wrong with school choices. feel like a lot of it personality fits, not ⁓ just academic content. A of it is size of school and things like that. Yeah, so I think school is a setting. ⁓ You just pick what you... enjoy it and it seems like you already know your path ahead. yeah, just keep going. I think your family must be so proud of you. I agree and yeah, gonna be a great mentor for all your younger siblings. Kahnae, we're coming over to you. Benita, Kahnae is interested in architecture. She's a senior as well. Do want to speak to that a little bit more, Kahnae? I've been interested in architecture just this year. I didn't know what I wanted to do all of high school, but I did some research over the summer and decided that I enjoyed design and stuff, so I thought architecture would be for me. That's awesome. And what kind of research did you do? Lots of like on Google and stuff, different careers that have to do with designs. I watched TikToks, ⁓ obviously, and like YouTube and stuff. All right. Can you speak a little bit to that design aspect? Maybe next steps you should to get a little bit more experience and information. actually think social media is a great way to learn the reality of things. You know, I'm glad I ⁓ love how people use technology properly for positive reasons. I think that's a great use of it. Yeah, being around the reality and seeing the reality and doing research is so good because you can only learn so fast and research and just, you know, going to classes or events will help you stay focused on the bigger picture, you know, engaged in the or become engaged in the industry, ⁓ If you know your road is going at a certain pace, you can quickly understand, you know, the bigger picture. And I think is a great way to start. That's also a great way to stay focused. Do people use Instagram? Yeah, you guys can follow me and see what I do day to day. We try to keep it... fun and inspiring and informative. yeah, I try to show the real life of an architect as much as I can. And it's a lot of things all at once. All right. Well, thank you to the shout out for that access and that connection you drew for the students here. Hassan, we're coming over to you. Also a senior he is interested in finance, but you could speak to that a little bit more. Hassan. Hi, so originally earlier on in high school, I actually was interested in architecture, but as time passed on, I ended up becoming more interested in finance simply because I just like math. I've always been good at math and I feel like finance will be good for me to like spread my knowledge. That's awesome. Are you using math in architecture, Benita? Yeah, it's a different kind of math. ⁓ I think with architecture, it's geometries. Finance is a whole other kind of, of math. and seem very sure of finance and I that you had some time to consider other options, but I feel like you are pretty, ⁓ you feel pretty good about this decision. It sounds like. Do you use financial advisors or anything of the sort at your firm, Benita? I have, we use a financial advisor, but fun fact, husband is our business. our CEO. So he does the business side of my firm, which honestly, it's really good to have a spouse who supports your work in any way. Morally or actually. And so he is part of the BCD team. Yeah, money is important to manage regardless of what you do, ⁓ you ⁓ because an architect, I'm an entrepreneur running a business, owning a business. So that's finance a small scale. I wasn't sure if Hassan is thinking of finance in a bigger like at a bigger company. Yeah, Hassan, you can speak to that, you know, finance really could take you anywhere. So you could still be working in an architecture firm or a hospital or anything of the like. Had you thought any more? Are you going to Wall Street or what are you thinking? Okay. So I specifically want to be a financial analyst. And I just recently went on a career field trip with my school and we went to Citibank and they taught us about like working with the bigger companies and like just working that like the front with the cash and stuff. And I feel like I could see myself working with like the bigger companies like Amazon and looking at the stocks and sending the money over and making sure everything is right. I can definitely tell you're gonna do a good job. ⁓ it seems like a natural thing that your mind is drawn And yeah, I think you ⁓ should keep going, you know, and that will also lead to opportunities. ⁓ you know, if you if you study business or finance, know, it could lead to any number of jobs in the future. All right. Yeah. So ⁓ up with your studies and start networking while you're at school and then you will ⁓ have something lined up for when you graduate, maybe internship opportunities so you could get more the lay of the land on the bigger or smaller business. Yeah. Don't just ⁓ end Like journey and your story does not end with the school you choose. That's just, you know, the beginning of a much bigger story. So once you get into whatever school or department you guys are all getting into, you gotta work and work and work. Like you gotta make every day count in some way and then it'll all add into something unbelievable for you. All right, I love that go getter spirit right right up until the end. We are in our final minutes. So Hassan, what did you pick up from Benita today? I picked to live with your passion and if you know, you what you want to do, research it and just go for it. Beautiful. Kahnae, what resonated with you from this conversation? Her talking about how if you don't know, just sometimes research really helps you. And using social media is a good thing to do, not always a bad. Yeah, that was nice to hear. That's not what we hear every day. So thanks, Kahnae. Carmelo, what about you? What did you gravitate towards this conversation? To just keep going. OK. to keep going even if it's hard, because in the end, you'll prevail. That's right. That is right. what about you? One thing that I picked up from the advice she was giving to all of us is that our dreams are bigger than our fears and that we should follow our hearts with our dreams and we'll end up like Carmelo said, prevailing. Beautiful. So well said. Thank you. And finally, Kshish what did you pick up today? The biggest thing I took note was to follow your heart. OK. All right. Feel the love. Benita did you have any final words of wisdom for our high schoolers from Freire Charter at Wilmington. I had really great time. ⁓ want to if there's anything I can clarify for you at all. I wanna make sure my time with you is helpful for you. any notes or general that wanna share with me? I think they all connected with you and felt motivated by your motivation and really, really appreciate you coming on and sharing your wisdom and your time with us. So what's that website for Benita Cooper design? my website is benitacooperdesign.com and my Instagram is also Benita Cooper design. So very easy. ⁓ I am so excited to just see you pursue your various passions. And yeah, I really enjoyed my time with you. Well, thank you so much, Benita Cooper from Benita Cooper Design. We really appreciate you and thank you to my co-host, Hassan, Kanaea, Carmelo, Janiyah and Kshish. You're listening to AccessCo Leaders. We'll see you next time.