During Diamond Bronson’s job interview, she told our CEO, Mitch Hoefer, that although she didn’t want him to be out of work, she wanted his job in five years. She brings that same passion to every project and client she works with. As an Associate Vice President and Healthcare Studio Leader, Diamond leads and manages complex projects, especially in the government sector.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Diamond is the first of 50 cousins to attend a Division 1 university. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and is a registered architect in Missouri. She also holds a LEED AP certification, establishing her as an energy and environmental design leader. Diamond has been involved with AIA Kansas City for over 20 years, including her roles as a Chairman, Co-Chairman and General Member of the Kansas City Architectural Foundation’s Scholarship Committee.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Diamond is the first of 50 cousins to attend a Division 1 university.
Diamond is incredibly involved in the community. She was a Founding Board Member of the Metropolitan Leadership Institute and served as Board Chairman for St. James United Methodist Church. She has also volunteered in the STEM Program for the Kansas City, Kansas and Blue Springs school districts, as well as Resiliency at Work 2.0 — an educational center that provides career and technical education, skills training and certification within STEM fields. For 25 years, Diamond has been involved with and held multiple leadership positions in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Diamond participates in programs that help improve local, national, and international communities’ social, economic, and educational well-being.
Beyond her community involvement, Diamond is also one of less than 500 Black female Registered Architects in the US. She is also one of the newest members of the Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City! In honor of this much-deserved award, we asked her to finish three sentences.
Diamond is also one of less than 500 Black female Registered Architects in the US.
When I was young, I dreamt of being…
An architect.
Sounds cliché, but it’s been my dream since I was eight years old. The career aptitude tests said I should be a farmer, an accountant or a doctor, but I said, “Nope, that’s not my ministry.” I remember taking Mr. Freevelee’s Shop and Introduction to AutoCAD class, seeing my classmate’s Guy Jones’ House on the Water design and instantly falling in love with architecture. I tell people that I followed God’s plan for humans’ instincts: we were made to provide shelter and to run, not just walk. Collegiate Track Runner. Registered Architect. Dream Accomplished.
One thing that most people don’t know about me is…
I am an ambivert – someone who is both an introvert and an extrovert. As both, I don’t get along with boxes. After all, a diamond shouldn’t be placed in a box except as a gift to open and share. I adapt to situations like a chameleon but see myself as a caterpillar who can become a butterfly when I choose. Surprisingly, I’m an introvert in architectural settings, but when I am with people, I enjoy being the life of the party. I find joy in asking our office cleaning staff how they’re doing, telling strangers in hospital waiting rooms that I hope they feel better soon, and talking to every restaurant waiter because I’d go hungry without them. The introvert in me likes speaking to people and wants to say hi too. She’s just not as loud and may not linger to hear your whole life story.
If given the power and resources, I would…
Maintain world peace.
The power and resources for change come from people’s hearts, not their bank accounts. I believe being nice is contagious. Although world peace may not happen in my lifetime, if I am nice to someone who needs a blessing at that particular moment, good will come from it. Multiply that act of kindness by every person in the world, and we can change hearts for the better. Just subtract my smart mouth because it gets me in trouble sometimes. Change the world. Mother Teresa said, “Do It Anyway,” so I will do it anyway.
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
~Mother Teresa
