Insights on Female Leadership
By Caitlin Smith, AIA and Janelle Horst, AIA
What does it truly mean to be an exceptional leader in both the practice and industry of architecture? Can leadership be cultivated, and if so, where do you even start?
As part of AIAPV’s Emerging Professional Awards Program, we embarked on a journey at the start of 2023 to delve into these questions. Over the past two years, we’ve had the privilege of collecting interviews with inspiring female leaders in the industry from across the nation. These interviews have been transformed into articles, published every two weeks through AIAPV (AIA Potomac Valley - EPAP Class of 2023 Book: A Taste of Leadership (aiapv.org)).
Our mission is to ignite inspiration in the next generation of architects and to support those who aspire to leadership by illuminating the remarkable journeys of women who have blazed the trail. Throughout this process, we've built a vibrant network of incredible women, each with their own powerful stories. Despite their diverse backgrounds, several common themes emerge within their narratives, reflecting shared values and experiences that have profoundly shaped their careers. Here are a few of those resonating themes we've discovered so far.
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Mentorship and Leadership – Many of the interviewees emphasized just how crucial mentorship has been to their growth, highlighting the significance of supportive work environments and the importance of giving back through mentoring others. Mentorship not only nurtures individual growth but also fortifies the architectural community. For more on mentorship and leadership, see articles on Annie Chu and Sarah Alexander.
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Overcoming Challenges – The stories of these leaders highlight their resilience and determination. Many have shared their journeys of triumphing over adversity, such as economic downturns and hurdles in higher education. In telling their stories, they reflect on how flexibility and humility empowered them to confront obstacles head-on. Their experiences reveal that resilience and adaptability are vital traits for success in the realm of architecture. For more on overcoming challenges, see article on Alma Jauregui.
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Advocacy and Impactful Design – At the core of these leaders' work lies innovation and a heartfelt commitment to positively impacting communities. Advocacy surrounding issues on sustainability, accessibility, and affordable housing are at the front of the minds of many of these leaders. Together, they demonstrate how design can be a catalyst for social and environmental transformation. For more on Advocacy and Impactful Design, see articles on Lisa Ferretto and Mary Ann Lazarus.
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Continuous Learning and Growth – Many leaders pointed to the importance of lifelong learning and underscore the importance of staying curious and continuously honing skills. This unwavering dedication to personal growth ensures these leaders remain at the forefront of their field. For more on Continuous Learning and Growth, see articles on Amy Gardner and Suzanne Thorpe.
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Collaboration and Teamwork – Collaboration holds immense value for these leaders. They wholeheartedly believe that uniting diverse perspectives leads to superior outcomes and enriches the field of architecture. For more on Collaboration and Teamwork see articles on Alyson Steele and Rachel Adams.
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Be Passionate, Be Bold, Be You – Many of these interviewees ended with a call to action. They encourage all of us to step out of our comfort zones and make things happen. For more on Be Passionate, Be Bold, Be You see articles on Maurita Harris, Angela Watson, and Carol Rickard.
These stories illuminate themes of mentorship, resilience, innovation, continuous learning, collaboration, and invaluable advice for future leaders. These themes not only celebrate their individual journeys but also highlight the shared values that propel the architectural profession forward. Through their work, these remarkable leaders are shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for architecture, inspiring us all to dream bigger and strive harder.
