Get to know the MPA Board!
Joselia Mendiolea
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I’ve always loved old buildings. In addition to admiring their unique details and particular materials, I’ve always been intrigued by the stories they tell about the different ways people have lived in other times and places. This fascination with the use of space led me directly to a career in architecture. I moved around the country a few times in pursuit of my architecture degrees and some work experience before arriving in Milwaukee almost three years ago.
I’m an architectural designer at Engberg Anderson Architects, where I’m encouraged to explore my enthusiasm for preservation by working on projects in historic buildings. It was through one of these projects, helping to develop a long-term proposal for the preservation of the Mitchell Park Domes, that I first made a personal connection with the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance. I soon became a member, and then joined the Board of Directors about a year later. I love Milwaukee for its abundance of beautiful historic buildings, its phenomenal parks, and its many celebrations of all kinds. I hope to contribute to Milwaukee’s future as an even more engaging and lively city! |
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1. What three words best define you?
Creative, curious, compassionate
2. What motivates you?
I'm an optimist; I always believe that we can do even better.
3. What book are you reading right now?
The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee
4. What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I teach Zumba classes!
5. What is your favorite free time activity?
Investigating new places by foot
6. What is one of your favorite places in Milwaukee? Outside of Milwaukee?
I'm terrible at choosing specific favorites, so in general:
In Milwaukee - the entire lakefront
Outside Milwaukee - the Uinta Mountains near my Wyoming hometown
7. If you could become a fictional character for one day, who would it be?
Janet from the show The Good Place, but only for the one day
8. What inspires you and why?
I'm inspired by cities. I'm constantly amazed by the problem-solving and many interwoven systems that enable cities to function at all.
9. What do you see as the future of historic preservation?
I'm interested to see how the historic preservation field is growing to encompass places that have previously been overlooked, especially due to demographics but also as newer buildings age.
10. Why should people support MPA?
Because MPA supports the preservation of all the historic buildings that illustrate why Milwaukee is special!
Creative, curious, compassionate
2. What motivates you?
I'm an optimist; I always believe that we can do even better.
3. What book are you reading right now?
The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee
4. What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I teach Zumba classes!
5. What is your favorite free time activity?
Investigating new places by foot
6. What is one of your favorite places in Milwaukee? Outside of Milwaukee?
I'm terrible at choosing specific favorites, so in general:
In Milwaukee - the entire lakefront
Outside Milwaukee - the Uinta Mountains near my Wyoming hometown
7. If you could become a fictional character for one day, who would it be?
Janet from the show The Good Place, but only for the one day
8. What inspires you and why?
I'm inspired by cities. I'm constantly amazed by the problem-solving and many interwoven systems that enable cities to function at all.
9. What do you see as the future of historic preservation?
I'm interested to see how the historic preservation field is growing to encompass places that have previously been overlooked, especially due to demographics but also as newer buildings age.
10. Why should people support MPA?
Because MPA supports the preservation of all the historic buildings that illustrate why Milwaukee is special!
