The GSD supports a strong network of student groups that seek to unite students with a shared cultural identity. Below are just a few of the student groups active today. For a complete list of active student groups, please visit the Resource Center.

GSD African American Student Union (AASU)
The GSD African American Student Union supports the advancement of African Americans in the design professions by providing opportunities to build strong relationships with Harvard’s African American students, alumni and intellectuals in the field.

Africa GSD
The aim of Africa GSD is to explore issues around African architecture and urbanism through guest lectures, panels, and symposium, as well as an annual conference (in collaboration with the African societies at HBS, HLS, HKS, and FAS).

Asia GSD
Founded in 1994, Asia GSD bridges divergent groups of students, faculty, and professionals committed to design issues relevant to Asia.

India GSD
India GSD is an organization for students interested in issues related to design in an Indian context. The group also serves as a point of contact for companies and academic institutions interested in the built environment of India.

Latin GSD
Latin GSD organizes lectures, discussions, and social activities that help to integrate and enhance initiatives and students interested in the Latin American region.

Club Medina
Founded in 2001, Club Medina is a student organization for students interested in design issues in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Queers in Design
Queers in Design gathers GSD students of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer communities and their supporters with the aim of creating a space to connect and address LGBTQ issues.

Womxn in Design
Women in Design is a forum to instigate dialogue about diversity, inclusion, joint creativity, interdisciplinary, and collaborative practice in the design disciplines. The group is a network aimed at addressing the historic underrepresentation of women in recognized leadership roles.

These organizations play an important role in sponsoring events on campus and shaping the community dialogue. Recent speakers include:

Majora Carter
Mitchell Silver
Walid Raad
Theaster Gates
Denise Scott Brown
Fairouz Nishanova
Francis Kere
Shirin Neshat

The Office of Student Affairs also sponsors events and activities throughout the year to assist the GSD’s minority community in achieving their goals—from racial equity training to confidence and networking workshops for women.