“Our empathy makes us exceptional.”
Empathy is not a weakness; it makes us powerful—together. That empowering message is how AIA EVP/CEO Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE, started day two at #AIAWLS! ??
Attendees experienced crisp fall weather in Chicago while they traveled to our first keynote session this morning. ?? To honor our time in this city, we started with a panel celebrating the influence of women designers on Chicago, now and into the future.
Moderator Natasha Engan, SVP of Global Sales at Deltek, joined panelists Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, 2024 AIA president; Ciere Boatright, commissioner, Chicago Department of Planning and Development; and Gia Biagi, principal of urbanism & civic impact, Studio Gang, discussed this city of innovation and architectural triumph.
?? Thank you to Deltek for sponsoring this insightful panel!
This year’s theme at the Women’s Leadership Summit is building resilience. The keynote conversation between Sumayya Vally, Founder and Principal of Counterspace, and 2024 AIA President Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, reflected this and inspired attendees.
For lunch, ?? we had a Firm Leaders Luncheon, sponsored by Owens Corning, designed to make personal connections with fellow industry leaders and innovators. A dynamic panel featuring women leaders representing AIA, AIA Chicago, the National Building Museum, and the National Organization of Minority Architects shared thoughts on how to build a resilient community of design professionals.
Breakout sessions filled the morning and afternoon, but attendees had time for reflection and recovery ?? with Dr. Akua K. Boateng, PhD, right before the Welcome Reception at the Old Post Office in Chicago!
Day two at #AIAWLS has been filled with education, community, and joy. ? Let’s make the last of WLS the best!
#Architecture #AEC #WomenInArchitecture #Design
