Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Hansy Better Barraza, uses more than two decades of professional experience to confront inequity in the built environment.  As a licensed architect, urban designer and LEED Accredited Professional, Hansy has embraced a collaborative design approach rooted in explorations of culture, identity, and community.  As Professor Emerita of Architecture at Rhode Island School of Design, she has taught students how design can foster resiliency, sustainability and equity in communities typically excluded from the architectural process.  Hansy, the author of  Where are the Utopian Visionaries? Architecture of Social Exchange, has also taught at Harvard University, Cornell University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Northeastern University.   Additionally, in 2010 she co-founded BR+A+CE: Building Research + Architecture + Community Exchange, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to creating new spaces through community partnerships.

The Boston Business Journal and El Planeta highlighted Barraza as one of 20 Hispanic executives making a difference in Boston and most recently was the recipient of the Women in Design Award of Excellence by the Boston Society of Architects. Past professional appointments include serving on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management Designer Selection Board Panel, serving as Secretary for the Boston Society of Architects, as a Trustee for the Boston Architectural College, as Commissioner of Education and Research for the Boston Society of Architects.  Between 2014 to 2017, she served as graduate program director at the Rhode Island School of Design.  Current professional appointments include Board Director for the Boston Society of Architects and serving on Zoning Board of Appeals since 2020. Hansy lives and works in Roslindale.