The Autodesk Technology Engagement Center (ATEC) welcomes students through a porch-like patio into a living room setting. Throughout the building, glass windows are a constant, allowing visitors to feel a part of the innovation occurring inside each room.

The purpose of this design, which was formed through student input, is to create an “epic” space that all Matadors can enjoy visiting.

“[Students] wanted it to feel like a sense of home and belonging, and so they designed it around that concept of a home,” Amanda Quintero, equity innovation officer for the Global Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Equity Innovation Hub, said.

The ATEC celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 22, serving as a shared space for Andrew J. Anagnost College of Engineering & Computer Science and an official base for CSUN’s HSI Equity Innovation Hub within the Student Success Center. With eyes set on the future, the HSI Hub has big plans for its new home.

The interior building is set up in an “innovation loop,” where every open space has been intentionally created to be used for science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) programs, including surrounding outdoor areas. Many of the rooms feature garage-style doors, which can be opened to create a larger workspace.

Rather than white, sterile labs, the ATEC is filled with carpet, warm wooden accents and plenty of natural light.

The Innovation Loop, a building companion app, is available for those exploring the center. Each lab contains a QR code by the door that visitors can scan and view what projects are taking place inside.

This loop is not only a physical construct seen in the architecture, but also an abstract idea being applied in the framework of the HSI Hub’s programs.

“It is going to be about thinking about that innovation loop, and how we facilitate engagement early, so that students – future students – can see themselves in these pathways,” Quintero said.

Quintero calls the late-August opening of the ATEC a “soft launch,” due to ongoing preparations, including additional hiring and equipping the building, as well as growing their Peer Mentorship Program.

“Our charge is big,” he said. “It’s the CSUN community. It’s partnering with K-12 in the region. It’s partnering with our partners across the CSU and our HSI partners across the country.”

Maryam Vahdani, a business management student on campus, said she had no idea what she was signing up for when interviewing to be a peer mentor. Though after receiving the job, Vahdani quickly assimilated into her new position and found enjoyment in it.

“I’m glad that we are providing an opportunity for students that may not get this chance to really connect,” Vahdani said, describing her recent experience helping middle school students use tech at the center. “It helps them be more confident in their abilities and just trying new things, so I’m excited for that.”

Having the program’s home base be in the ATEC center also provides a sense of connection to campus life for Vahdani, who said CSUN has not previously felt “community-based.” However, Vahdani’s favorite part about her new job is being surrounded by the women of color who run the program, saying they create an inspiring work environment that she has never quite experienced before.

While peer mentors are a new addition to the hub, Moe Nasir, a computer science major, said she’s found motivation through stories of her advisors’ history with the HSI program on campus.

“They started off in the basement, like under the library,” Nasir said. “And then they got to this point after, like, working through it, working hard. It’s truly inspiring to hear their story, and I just, I’m glad to be a part of it, honestly.”

The official program launch for the HSI Equity Innovation Hub, according to Quintero, is expected to take off in the Spring 2026 semester.

Located on Lindley Avenue across from the Premier America Credit Union Arena, the building’s huddle hubs and additional spaces are open to CSUN students seeking to find a quiet space to hunker down and study.

Though the Department of Education canceled $350 million in federal grants to HSIs on Sept. 10, Quintero is optimistic and thankful to partners, such as Apple and Autodesk, who she said are doubling down on their commitments to CSUN’s equity programs.

The hub, their programs and the work that is being done in the innovation labs are the seeds Quintero said CSUN is planting for future generations of students.

“We’re here, you know, we have programming for you,” Quintero said. “We want you in higher education. We want to see you as a future matador, and all of us who are currently Matadors, we have to keep sending that message of hope.”

HSI Equity Innovation Hub will be hosting three open house events on Oct. 27, 29 and 30. Students can sign up to attend through Eventbrite.