New Jersey is gearing up for the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit in Chicago. Please join us!

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The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) is a must-experience event for anyone in the AEC industry. It’s a national, two-day conference for women in positions of leadership. The Summit will focus on supporting women by providing a forum to recognize, inform, and champion the work being created by women in architecture.

The architecture industry goes beyond building design; it’s about forging connections, exchanging ideas, and finding the inspiration to push boundaries. Organized by the AIA, this annual event is far from your typical industry gathering. It’s a dynamic community of professionals, predominantly women, with a few men, who are deeply passionate about architecture, design, and shaping our world.

The 2024 WLS theme is Building Resilience. It explores adapting to a constantly shifting landscape and persevering through tough times. 

– How can we safeguard society’s health, safety, and welfare amid individual struggles? 

– Where does our power lie? Are we identifying our own blind spots and biases? 

– How does intersectionality reveal the skills needed for impactful change? 

Networking Opportunities with Industry Leaders. The Women’s Leadership Summit is a networking powerhouse, gathering professionals from all facets of the architecture and AEC industries. It’s more than just collecting business cards; it’s about building meaningful connections. By interacting with peers and mentors, you can share ideas, explore industry trends, and create relationships that could lead to collaborations, job offers, or even lasting friendships. The connections you form at the summit can be both invaluable and long-lasting.

Valuable Insights and Shared Experiences. A hallmark of this conference is its atmosphere of openness. Attendees candidly share their experiences, discussing the challenges they’ve encountered and the strategies they’ve used to overcome them. This fosters a supportive environment where everyone, regardless of career stage, can learn from each other.

Inspiring Keynote Speakers. The keynote speakers at the Women’s Leadership Summit are selected not just for their achievements but for their ability to inspire and challenge conventional thinking. These speakers have diverse backgrounds, including architecture, engineering, construction management, and even fashion design, highlighting the far-reaching influence architects can have across various industries. Their presentations go beyond traditional lectures, offering engaging stories that reveal possibilities beyond conventional architectural roles. Attendees often leave these sessions with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to push their limits and explore new directions within the industry.

Empowerment and Renewed Energy. One of the most impactful benefits of attending the Women’s Leadership Summit is the deep sense of empowerment and renewed energy it brings. The connections made, the insights gained, and the inspiration drawn all come together to empower attendees to make an impact in their firms, communities, and careers. Engaging with professionals who share similar goals and challenges fosters a strong sense of belonging and purpose. You leave the summit with a refreshed commitment not only to advancing your own career but also to contributing positively to the broader architectural and AEC community.

Diverse Topics. The conference agenda is thoughtfully designed to cater to a diverse range of interests within the AEC industry. Whether you’re passionate about firm culture, transparency, leadership development, or entrepreneurship, there are sessions tailored to your specific interests and needs. The wide range of topics offers a conference experience that aligns with your career goals and interests. Sessions on mental health and work-life balance highlights the summit’s commitment to holistic professional development. It recognizes that success in the AEC industry requires not only technical expertise but also a focus on well-being and self-care. 

Event highlights include:

An unrivaled keynote lineup including Kimberlé Crenshaw, Sumayya Vally, Natasha Engan, Gia Biagi, Ciere Boatright, RaMona Westbrook, AIA, Danielle Tillman, AIA, NOMA, Jen Johnson, Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, & Evelyn Lee, FAIA, NOMA
Executive workshops with Karen Robichaud & Amanda Garner
Mindfulness activities with Dr. Akua K. Boateng
Open Houses with Studio Gang & Chicago Architecture Center
Lunches at leading Chicago firms including Perkins+Will, CannonDesign, & Epstein

The AIA Women’s Leadership Summit is an immersive experience that cultivates professional growth, personal connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. Attending this summit can be a transformative moment in your career, unlocking new opportunities, perspectives, and avenues for personal development that can shape your future in the AEC industry. We hope you join us!