Gautier Castro Underscores Resilience, Following Passion to Spring Graduates

As a Class of 2016 Wentworth Institute of Technology graduate, Carla Gautier Castro felt she may be too young to deliver a commencement keynote speech.  

“I always thought this podium was reserved for people with decades of life experience, sage advice for you kids, and—let's be honest—white hair,” she said as the featured speaker for the university’s Spring 2024 ceremony.  

But Gautier Castro has made a major impact in a brief time and can offer sage advice in a variety of areas. Upon earning both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Architecture, she dove into alternative forms of construction and sustainable living practices.  

It was Hurricane Maria in her native Puerto Rico, though, that changed her trajectory, spurring her to co-found Konti Design, a family-operated, environmentally conscientious business providing people devastated by natural disasters with access to proper, sustainable construction. 

“Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there lies an opportunity—an opportunity to find fulfillment in the work that we do,” she said. “And trust me, chaos and uncertainty come when you least expect it, but lead to places you can never imagine.” 

Gautier Castro urged graduates to surround themselves with mentors and to push back when life gets tough. And though she found tragedy in the wake of Hurricane Maria, she chose to focus on rebirth.  

“My Wentworth education and experience prepared me for that moment I was called back home,” she said. “I was ready to help my community recover, and thankfully had the skills I needed to start my business. That’s what I’ve been working on ever since.” 

She also noted her Lupis diagnosis shortly before starting college in 2012. She was told she could not study architecture, play soccer, or fulfil other dreams.  

“That was just not an option,” she said. “I fought back, determined to reclaim my life. I had the support around me to get me to Wentworth, and where I am today. And I learned the importance of resilience.” 

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Sam Sawyer-Standley represented this year’s class as the featured student speaker. A Master of Architecture graduate, he gained real-world experience at John Moriarty and Associates, Elkus Manfredi, and Studio DRAW. Post-graduation, he is committed to staying in Boston to focus on high-end residential projects while pursuing his architectural license. Since his sophomore year, he has actively contributed to the Wentworth Design Review Journal, taking joy in curating and showcasing both student and faculty work annually. 

Citing famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Sawyer-Standley noted, “The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.” He recounted early Wentworth days of cube studies in studio classes and talked about the way he has seen his classmates and himself transform over the years.  

“I realize that choosing this profession is not just about designing buildings, it's about creating spaces that can enhance the human experience, create connection, promote sustainability and solve a collection of problems faced in the world today,” he said. “It's about listening to the needs and goals of the communities we serve, and bringing agency, so their visions come to life.” 

Because of rainy weather, Dean of Students Jenn Kosses led students on a slightly detoured route to the commencement tent through Watson, Dobbs, Wentworth, Williston, Rubenstein, and Kingman Halls, providing a final fond look at the areas where these graduates spent so many days.  

The event began with a call to order from Wentworth’s Board of Trustees Chair Gregory Janey, ’82, ’04, Hon. ’17 followed by a warm welcome from Provost and Executive Vice President Sophia Maggelakis.  

Mechanical Engineering graduate Gabriel Cahill sang the National Anthem. An avid singer and piano player, Cahill is entering the field of MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) design.  

Griffin Robinson from Wentworth’s Architecture program was honored with the Beatty Award, named for Wentworth's first president, H. Russell Beatty, and awarded for outstanding scholarship.  

Wentworth Alumni Association President Casey Galante ’12, ’13, led a charge to the graduates.  

President Mark A. Thompson reiterated his belief in Wentworth as the university of opportunity. 

“The opportunity to create what intrigues you, build what inspires you, and chase what excites you,” he said. “That’s not to say that there won’t be challenges. Whether social upheaval, environmental confrontation, health risks, or sociopolitical changes, all of it represents challenges that you will be tasked with surmounting. But I have faith that you will do more than meet those challenges. I believe that you will overcome them—because you are Wentworth graduates.”  

Members of the platform party included: 

• President and Mrs. Thompson 
• Sophia Maggelakis, Provost and Executive Vice President 
• Carla Gautier Castro, Commencement Speaker 
• Greg Janey, Chair, Wentworth Board of Trustees 
• Rose Conti, Vice Chair, Wentworth Board of Trustees 
• Noelle Benavides, Trustee 
• Tony Bond, Trustee 
• Michael Carragher, Trustee 
• Travis McCready, Trustee 
• Michael Santora, Trustee 
• Casey Galante, President, Wentworth Alumni Association, Trustee 
• Jenn Kosses, Dean of Students, Institute Marshal 
• Joe Martel Foley, Associate Provost 
• Sedef Doganer, Dean, School of Architecture and Design 
• Mark Mulligan, Associate Dean, School of Architecture and Design 
• Leonidas Deligiannidis, Interim Dean, School of Computing and Data Science 
• Mel Henricksen, Professor, School of Computing and Data Science 
• Ali Khabari, Dean, School of Engineering 
• Anuja Kamat, Associate Dean, School of Engineering 
• John Cribbs, Dean, School of Management 
• Hossein Noorian, School of Management
• Rick Trilling, Professor, School of Management 
• Thaddeus Guldbrandsen, Dean, School of Sciences and Humanities 

A full collection of photos from the event can be found at this link.