Celebrating Edward Love – ACE Scholarship Winner
Introducing Edward Love, recipient of a $2,000 ACE Scholarship, and a creative visionary on his way to the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. A graduating senior at Mastery Hardy Williams Charter High School, Edward’s passion for design is fueled by sketching, sculpting, and artistic exploration — all of which he plans to channel into an architecture career centered on sustainability, innovation, and social impact. Originally from Newark, NJ and now rooted in Philadelphia, Edward’s journey is one of transformation, perseverance, and purpose. “My time in ACE from 2023 to 2025 has taught me three things that make an architect: innovation, patience, and collaboration,” he shares. With a clear vision of using architecture to improve urban, suburban, and rural communities alike, Edward is committed to inspiring the next generation of creators and change-makers. From clay to construction, his designs are built to uplift.
Celebrating Owen McCormick – ACE Scholarship Winner
We’re proud to spotlight Brandon Bacordo, recipient of a $4,000 ACE Scholarship, who will be attending the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) this fall to study Architecture. A graduate of Abington Senior High School, Brandon’s goals are as ambitious as they are inspiring: to build affordable housing, reshape the urban fabric of cities, and center people — not cars — in the way we design public spaces. With a focus on sustainability and equity, Brandon is determined to design cities that uplift communities and create lasting impact. “ACE has shown me the work and creativity involved within the field, and how there is a spot for everyone regardless of strengths and interests,” he shares. That inclusive message continues to fuel his passion for people-first design — and the scholarship brings him one step closer to building the change he wants to see. (Fun fact: Brandon has been growing his hair out for four years — and he’s just getting started on growing his future, too!)
Celebrating Brandon Bacordo – ACE Scholarship Winner
We’re proud to spotlight Brandon Bacordo, recipient of a $4,000 ACE Scholarship, who will be attending the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) this fall to study Architecture. A graduate of Abington Senior High School, Brandon’s goals are as ambitious as they are inspiring: to build affordable housing, reshape the urban fabric of cities, and center people — not cars — in the way we design public spaces. With a focus on sustainability and equity, Brandon is determined to design cities that uplift communities and create lasting impact. “ACE has shown me the work and creativity involved within the field, and how there is a spot for everyone regardless of strengths and interests,” he shares. That inclusive message continues to fuel his passion for people-first design — and the scholarship brings him one step closer to building the change he wants to see. (Fun fact: Brandon has been growing his hair out for four years — and he’s just getting started on growing his future, too!)
Celebrating Shea Staniec – ACE Scholarship Winner
Meet Shea Staniec, recipient of a $4,000 ACE Scholarship, and an electrifying future leader in the world of engineering. A senior at Cumberland County Technical Education Center (CCTEC), Shea has spent the last four years immersed in engineering coursework and is heading to the University of Maryland this fall to major in Electrical Engineering. Her long-term goals include earning a Master’s in robotics and working in the electric vehicle industry — combining her passion for innovation, sustainability, and hands-on problem-solving. “ACE taught me what to expect in my future career and prepared me with both knowledge and skills to function in the engineering field,” she shares. From classroom concepts to real-world applications, the ACE experience helped bring Shea’s future into sharper focus. (Fun fact: She’s a two-time Gilmore Girls marathoner and she scuba-dived with sharks in Belize — talk about fearless!) We’re excited to see where Shea’s curiosity and courage will take her next.
Celebrating Natalie Burkhart – ACE Scholarship Winner
We’re proud to highlight Natalie Burkhart, recipient of a $4,000 ACE Scholarship, who will be attending Nova Southeastern University this fall to pursue a degree in Engineering. A graduate of Cumberland County Technical Education Center’s engineering program and a three-sport varsity athlete at Millville High School, Natalie has already earned her Associate’s Degree from Rowan College of South Jersey — all before stepping foot on her college campus. Natalie is eager to continue exploring her engineering path, with interests ranging from civil and design engineering to environmental and ocean-focused specialties. “ACE helped me to actually envision myself as a future engineer,” she shares. “I especially appreciated the feedback I received from mentors, who always encouraged me to think outside of the box.” With her creativity, work ethic, and openness to new opportunities, Natalie is ready to make waves in whatever field she chooses — literally!
Celebrating Jaylah Christian – Michael & Mary Beth Beck Scholar
We are honored to celebrate Jaylah Sinai Christian, recipient of the $5,000 Michael & Mary Beth Beck Scholarship, whose multidimensional talents and leadership are already creating impact. A senior at Central High School and the Cofounder and President of Girls Empowering Minds in STEM (GEMS), Jaylah brings her passion for equity, education, and entrepreneurship to everything she does. This fall, she’ll attend Hampton University to pursue a dual degree in Finance and Political Science (Pre-law), combining law, business, and design to build a future focused on real estate and social equity. “ACE has provided me with a wealth of comprehension in the sustainability of Earth’s natural resources and how to utilize them to continually improve the quality of life,” Jaylah shares. “ACE lessons also emphasized the importance of the social sciences and how the humanities are interconnected with all occupations—even STEM.” With real-world experience through HOK Philly and JacobsWyper Architects, plus a pre-licensing real estate course already underway, Jaylah is blending bold purpose with powerful action.
Celebrating Emani Coleman – GBCA Scholar
Let’s celebrate Emani Coleman, recipient of the $5,000 GBCA Scholarship, who will be heading to Thomas Jefferson University this fall to study Architecture. A proud student of Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls, Emani originally dreamed of becoming an illustrator or animator. But after exploring her creative passions through a new lens, she’s discovered her true calling — designing imaginative, one-of-a-kind spaces that are as visionary as they are inspiring. “ACE has made me a lot more excited to attend college and dive deeper into the worlds of architecture and interior design,” Emani shares. “My many mentors have inspired this newfound excitement by displaying and explaining each of their different jobs. I am most grateful for each of my mentors!” With a vibrant imagination, a growing love for design, and—fun fact!—a lifelong connection to animals (she’s owned 25 cats!), Emani is ready to leave her creative pawprint on the world.
Celebrating Ryan Mack – Gilbane Building Company Scholar
Let’s celebrate Ryan Mack, recipient of the $7,500 Gilbane Building Company Scholarship, who will be attending Howard University this fall to study Mechanical Engineering. A graduating senior from Friends Central School, Ryan has been guided by the Quaker principle of stewardship — the belief that we all have a responsibility to care for our environment. Whether he’s in a design firm or on a construction site, Ryan plans to carry that value with him and center it in his work for years to come. “As someone who has been a part of the ACE Mentor Program since my sophomore year of high school,” Ryan shares, “I know that it is because of the mentors and experiences I’ve had through the program that I became interested in the design fields.” From exploring engineering processes to finding confidence in his career path, Ryan credits ACE for opening the door to a world of possibilities. (And when he’s not designing for impact? He’s likely learning more about his favorite machines — cars!)
Celebrating McKenna Smith – O’Donnell & Naccarato Scholar
We’re excited to spotlight McKenna Smith, recipient of the $7,500 O’Donnell & Naccarato Scholarship, who will be attending the Georgia Institute of Technology as a College of Design Dean’s Scholar this fall. A standout senior at Boyertown High School, McKenna plans to major in Architecture with a minor in Sustainable Cities, and she’s already setting her sights on designing educational spaces that shape future generations — from K–12 schools to college campuses — all with sustainability at the core. McKenna shares, “ACE has been one of the most amazing experiences throughout my high school career. My mentors have solidified my goals to be an architect and influenced my pathway — from my university to my career focus.” With aspirations to return to the ACE program as a mentor and even teach design courses as an adjunct professor, McKenna is all about impact, innovation, and giving back. (And when she’s not designing buildings? You might find her making handmade jewelry with wire, beads, and stones!)
Celebrating Masaki Dickerson – Carpenters’ Company Scholar
We are proud to celebrate Masaki Dickerson, recipient of the $10,000 Carpenters’ Company Scholarship, who will be continuing his studies at Thomas Jefferson University in the accelerated 4+2 BS in Architectural Studies / Master of Architecture (IPAL) program. A graduate of G.W. Carver High School of Engineering and Science, Masaki has already demonstrated his ability to lead and collaborate — serving as Co-Captain of the boys’ volleyball team, a three-time bowling champion, and a multi-instrument musician involved in both orchestra and All-City Band. Masaki’s passion for sustainable and culturally conscious architecture drives his long-term vision: “I am so grateful for ACE, which has allowed me to witness the importance of teamwork in this career, and how this leads to more diverse ideas on projects.” With his sights set on making sustainable design more accessible and learning from architectural styles across the globe, Masaki brings creative energy and cultural curiosity to the next generation of architecture.