HUSARCH Conversations: Blueprint for Belonging
A Conversation on Mentorship with Krystal and Zuley
By Krystal Muñoz
Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Zuley, a driven senior from Benito Juarez High School, as part of their Externship program. Since Zuley joined our team, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring her. I joined the HUSARCH team in August 2025, and I didn’t expect to become a mentor so quickly. However, working with Zuley has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my time here. As a young Latina who recently entered the professional world, I felt a deep pull to share everything I wish I’d known at her age. Especially about entering spaces where there isn't always a lot of representation or someone you can immediately relate to. I wanted to make sure she knew that whenever she feels that spark of doubt, she truly belongs in these spaces.
Leadership and Learning
Zuley is a powerhouse. Between varsity girls' volleyball, cheering, and her role as a student representative on the Local School Council (LSC), she is already a natural leader who meets with administrators to "help around the school by listening to other students' opinions." Her journey to our office began in her Career and Technical Education (CTE) Architecture program, where visiting architectural firms sparked the curiosity that led her to this externship.
While her interest in architecture was initially inspired by family members in Veracruz, Mexico, she used this time to explore every corner of the professional world, from LEED research to marketing. She candidly shared with me that she was nervous about "putting herself out there" for fear of someone then "humbling her" by realizing how much she had yet to learn. However, she quickly saw that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. She was glad she pushed herself and took this opportunity. I made sure to reassure her that our door is always open; she should feel free to reach out for navigation and support whenever she needs it, even after this externship ends.
Krystal’s First Site Visit (left); Zuley’s First Site Visit (Right)
A Full-Circle Site Visit
One of the most memorable moments was our site visit to a Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) project. It was Zuley's favorite task of the externship, where she was able to practice measuring the weight and pressure of doors to ensure the units were accessible. She is truly a pro with the door pressure gauge!
This visit was also a special "full-circle" moment for me because it was also my very first project site I ever worked on when I started at HUSARCH. We ended the visit by taking a picture of Zuley outside the project, just like my colleague McKenna did for me(outside the same building!). Seeing her share the same excitement I had on my first site visit brought a sense of joy to the project that reminded me exactly why I started this career in the first place.
Looking Ahead
While Zuley has a natural talent for design, she is heading to Dominican University this fall on a full-ride scholarship to pursue Criminal Psychology!
The externship has given her a new lens through which to see her surroundings. She mentioned that now, even when walking into a public places, "I start judging the bathroom because of the lack of accessibility in there." She hopes that whatever field she pursues, her work will "impact my community in a good way" for generations to come. I truly believe that simply by being a first-generation Latina heading to college, she is already creating that long-lasting impact and serving as an inspiration to everyone around her!
Zuley, we are going to miss your energy in the office! As you start this next chapter, never forget: Sí se puede! Even in the toughest times, you have the strength to persevere and achieve amazing things. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.