Monisha “Mo” Pirela
Hometown: New Bern, N.C.
Graduation Year: 2027
How did you first get interested in architecture?
I first became interested in architecture when my family was selected for the Habitat for Humanity program. Experiencing that process as a child influenced my perspective as I grew up in a community where preserved historic and colonial architecture existed steps away from poverty, frequent flooding due to hurricanes, and unequal access to resources. All of this combined to make me interested in how architecture can directly affect people’s safety and quality of life, preserve histories and cultures, and better respond to environmental and social realities through design.
What kind of career do you hope to have?
I hope to have a career that combines architecture, culture and social justice because those are all things that are extremely important to me and influenced by my upbringing. I want to use design to help address issues related to housing, community development, environmental resilience, and cultural preservation. Whether through working for an organization that prioritizes these values or eventually leading my own, I hope to create work that positively impacts communities and improves people’s quality of life.
What is your favorite thing about UNC Charlotte?
One of my favorite things about UNC Charlotte is the wide spectrum of opportunities available regardless of your interests. You can engage through research programs, student organizations, departmental events, leadership opportunities and campus offices, so there is always a way to find community and opportunities that align with your goals. I also appreciate that UNC Charlotte is connected to the city of Charlotte, which creates opportunities to engage beyond campus with organizations, professionals and communities that share those same interests.
Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts/design community?
Yes! I am active within Charlotte’s creative community as a poet and spoken word artist and have performed at events including BOOM! Charlotte and the Flourish Stage at Charlotte Pride Festival. I have also served as a summer intern with Writing For Freedom, a Charlotte-based nonprofit. Even while attending UNC Charlotte, I have remained connected to the mentors, peers and community relationships I built during community college.
Do you have any scholarships? If so, please tell us about it and how it is helping you as a student.
I was awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship and, since attending UNC Charlotte, I have also received the Osher Reentry Scholarship Award and was recently named a recipient of the Alumni Association Scholarship Award. As a post-traditional student and commuter, these scholarships have been imperative in helping me continue my education after community college and remain engaged with community within the University and throughout the city.
When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy watching period pieces and historical shows. I also enjoy returning to New Bern to visit my family, attending spoken word events, visiting museums and art exhibits, and honestly taking a good nap whenever I can.