Women's Leadership Summit
The first AIA Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) began as a grassroots effort to bring together women principals of architecture firms, women in leadership positions, and women architects moving into leadership roles across the country for an intense two-day summit focusing on leadership and design. Today, the summit spans a diverse spread of career stages and seeks to support all women in the profession.
Summit goals:
- raise the profile of women in the profession
- share and promote the design work of women
- explore new paths to leadership
- provide education opportunities related to women in the profession
- learn from one another
Where women lead
WLS is one of the only gatherings where women architects and designers are surrounded by other women in a professional setting. That creates a candid, comfortable environment where women can contribute unique perspectives and facilitate conversations about challenges within the industry: Gaining respect on a construction site, negotiating, managing remote teams, getting promoted, and many others.
Session content addresses relevant topics within the industry and provides practical tools for attendees to implement at work right away. This year, AIA has combined continuing education with wellness activities, promoting the idea that health and professional development go hand in hand.
Although the architecture industry has historically struggled to retain women architects, more women today are finding ways to make the industry work for them. WLS exists to help you do just that.
Support the Summit through sponsorship opportunities
Firm and university opportunities
Illuminate equity in your workplace or university. Send your employees to WLS for an inspiring and educational experience that translates to the success of firms, universities, and the industry as a whole.
Download the firm and university prospectus >
Corporate opportunities
As more women pursue careers in architecture and design, their contributions shape the future of the industry. Join AIA as we support experienced and emerging women leaders.
Firm management
Sheela Søgaard speaks to A’18 on the business of architecture
The CEO of Bjarke Ingels Group turned her Day 2 keynote at Radio City Music Hall into a 30-minute masterclass on the firm’s business model and growth strategies.
Career and the profession
Architects commit to a future of equity and respect
AIA members are asking their peers to commit to a more inclusive field. At A’18 and beyond, architects raise their voices, share stories, and pledge to better the profession.
Career and the profession
Public sector offers advantages for small and women-led firms
An A’18 session raised awareness about inequalities facing women and small firm architects, and what public agencies are doing to help.
Career and the profession
Emerging professionals talk mentorship with Institute leaders
Three AIA leaders share their thoughts on mentoring emerging professionals.
Career and the profession
Women architects carving themselves a space
The 2015 Women’s Leadership Summit convened architects at all levels.
Career and the profession
Why equity is good for your practice
Equitable practice promotes the recruitment and retention of the most diverse talent and leads to stronger, more successful, and more sustainable practices.
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