September 20, 2023

Photo credit- The American Institute of Architects (AIA)

AIA Women’s Leadership Summit 2023

by Ruchi Dhar, AIA, AIANJ Representative at the AIA WLS 2023

The Women’s Leadership Summit 2023 was held last week in Boston, MA from September 12 to 14.. It was organized by AIA National with the local host Boston Society for Architecture
(BSA). This is the largest network of diverse women in architecture, design, and allied building industry. This year over 800 individuals from across the country attended the event.
The WLS isn’t just a leadership conference, it is a movement that supports, empowers, and unites women in the AEC industry who are taking leadership roles by breaking down the barriers that get in their way. It showcases successful women leaders in architecture and the allied building industry. The summit also encourages young girls and emerging architects to dream big and believe in their potential.

The summit kicked off with a welcome reception on Sep 12th at “The Royale”. This was followed by a two-day event where keynote speakers, inspirational workshops, and panel discussions
were packed with path-breaking ideas and immense wisdom that was empowering.

Welcome reception at “The Royale”

The first Keynote speaker explored the theme Equity x Society with women leaders in the public service, local government, and AIA leadership. The panelists included Andrea Love, FAIA, Dr.
Evelyn Murphy, Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA, Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE, and Tiffany Chu. Together they discussed advocacy, social issues, the role of building industry,
and the rewards of working for change.

Day 1 Keynote speakers

The second keynote speaker, Melodie Yashar, VP of design and performance at ICON, explored the theme Equity x Design and delivered a captivating presentation that focused on large scaler
additive manufacturing for Earth in space. Through NASA award-winning projects like Mars Ice House and Mars X-House, her work shifts the paradigm of homebuilding on Earth and beyond.

Day 2 Keynote speakers

Another highlight at the event was the Firm Leaders Luncheon, where several firm leaders discussed the challenges that arise in achieving work-life balance. They also shared strategies
for effectively managing time and responsibilities to enhance both personal and professional lives. Additionally, they emphasized the significance of building a supportive network of mentors and allies at every stage of one’s career.

In addition to these keynote speakers, several other women leaders from across the AEC industry also spoke at the Summit. Some workshops focused on changing firm culture, the Path
to leadership, Designing motherhood, and the path to self-empowerment. At night the WLS attendees took over the city of Boston at Firm Happy hours organized by local Boston
Architectural firms and dined at local Boston restaurants.

The closing keynote featured Equity x Workplace by Aurora James who is a visionary behind the fastest-growing non-profits, the Fifteen Percent Pledge. The conversation was moderated by
2023 AIA President Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA.

The WLS was an eye-opening experience full of learning and networking with inspiring women. This event has hugely motivated me and provided me with intellectual stimulation and I am so grateful for the connections I made at this conference. I never anticipated that an event of this nature would touch me so deeply. I am immensely thankful to both AIA NY State and AIA PA for sponsoring me in honor of our past Executive Director, Joseph A. Simonetta, Hon AIA, CAE.

The 2024 Women’s Leadership Summit will be hosted in Chicago, IL. It is important for women to attend such events, share wisdom, and uplift each other at all career stages.

By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in Women in Architecture | Tagged: #aiawls, #RuchiDharAIA | Comments (0)