To become a licensed architect who specializes in historic preservation and adaptive reuse of buildings/structures in either Oregon or Washington state

This is a dream I have been working on since 2002.  I realized then that I was to become an architect who works with underserved communities. 

After a trip to Rhode Island in 2009, I learned that I can make a difference by moving to a community and becoming an involved community member who happens to have architectural training.  So, my overall dream is to move to Portalnd, Oregon or Washington state (somewhere on the western part of the state like the Seattle area or Olympia area). 

Also, I am someone who does not look like most architects or what someone thinks of when they think of an architect, so by gaining official credentials as an architect, I can serve as a testament to someone who looks different that they too can become whatever they want and I can serve as an example of an architect who does not look like the stereotype to those who disbelieve that anyone other than the stereoype can be one.

Thanks for reading  :* )