engineers and contractors in Idaho! Here’s how you can get involved: • Volunteer as a mentor to guide and inspire the next generation. • Offer internship opportunities to ACE students. • Provide financial support to fund scholarships and program resources. • Advocate for the program within your professional networks. Ken: We are looking for mentors from all professions and trades in each part of the state. We need champions in eastern Idaho, northern Idaho and central Idaho to organize enough local mentors to start the program there. We’ve already done the legwork here in Boise/Meridian/Kuna. The curriculum and process are ready, and we just need passionate individuals to lead. We’d love to introduce the program formally to our Public Outreach Committee. AIA Idaho could offer to have the ACE Mentor Program of Idaho as a recipient of some of their scholarship proceeds from the annual AIA golf tournament. Jeff Slinger is a project executive at Andersen Construction, where he has dedicated 29 years to leading complex projects with a focus on quality, safety and innovation. Passionate about mentorship and workforce development, Jeff has been actively involved in the ACE Mentor Program in Oregon and played a key role in founding the ACE Mentor affiliate in Idaho. His commitment to shaping the next generation of construction professionals reflects his leadership and dedication to the industry. Ken Gallegos is a dynamic professional who thrives on creativity and collaboration. A true enthusiast of architecture and design, he draws daily inspiration from his coworkers’ ability to craft remarkable spaces that bring functionality to communities. Outside the office, Ken’s love for EDM house music fuels his energy, while his appreciation for video games keeps his inner child alive. Looking to the future, he envisions himself making a lasting impact — whether relaxing on a beach, honing his skills on the golf course or mentoring the next generation of architects eager to shape inclusive, visionary spaces. Ken is a steadfast believer in the power of creativity to transform lives and communities, making him a valued member of any design team. 42 IDAHO ARCHITECTURE | 2025 | aiaidaho.com
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