Professional Training & Experience
- EMI Nicaragua Intern, May-August 2017
- B.S.D. in Architecture, Community & Regional Planning Minor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2018
- Master of Architecture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2020
While studying at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Shayla had the opportunity to gain professional experience through a variety of internships in architecture firms around the Midwest, including MSH Architects in Sioux Falls, SD, Sinclair Hille Architects in Lincoln, NE, and HDR Inc. in Omaha, NE. Shayla served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at UNL for a variety of introductory design courses, mentoring first-year students in the design program. She entered the architecture field as a way to serve people through design, and was delighted to hear about EMI's vision through a classmate at UNL. After completing an internship in the EMI Nicaragua office, Shayla knew God was leading to her to a life of service. After graduating with her master's degree in May of 2020, Shayla joined the Fellowship Program at EMI.
Ministry Experience
Shayla was introduced to the world of missions through her high school youth group leader, who led a trip of students to northern Haiti to serve at the ministry Children of the Promise. Shayla returned to serve with this ministry three more times over the next three years. While on these trips, Shayla experienced the acute physical needs of the people, many of which could be improved through quality design. She felt God's leading to study architecture with the vision to serve others through design. While attending UNL, Shayla was involved with Cru Campus Ministries and small groups through her local church. She is excited to utilize her skills in architecture to build God's Kingdom through EMI.
Family
Shayla is the daughter of Kevin and Judy Dick, who have provided Godly mentorship and encouragement to her throughout her life. From them she learned to have a heart for the marginalized, the value of hard work, and the importance of excellence. Shayla has three older sisters in the Sioux Falls area and is a proud aunt of two.