SoCalNOMA seeks to advance and support the education and careers of those who have been historically underrepresented in the field of architecture and various allied design/build professions. Members include architects, designers, civil engineers, structural engineers, interior designers, urban planners, and product manufacturers. The SoCalNOMA chapter was founded in 1982 and was originally called the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (LANOMA). Amongst the Chapter’s historic events and accomplishments were the creation of an exhibit of local chapter African-American architects (hosted by the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall), the sponsorship of student chapters at U.S.C., Woodbury, Cal Baptist, and Cal Poly SLO schools of Architecture, hosting of the annual National NOMA Conference and pro-bono professional design services on the redevelopment of Leimert Park Village and other urban community redevelopment aspirations.