The AIA Los Angeles 2023 Community Contribution Award - Honoring LeaderFlow
This year, AIA|LA's Board of Directors proudly presents the Community Contribution Award to LeaderFlow. We sat down with Janiece Williams and John Gavan to delve into the remarkable impact LeaderFlow has had on the AEC community.
P.S. Just a friendly reminder: Only 4 days left to snag your Early Bird rate ticket for this year's Design Awards Party!
Q. Winning this award is a significant achievement. How do you think Leaderflow is successful?in fulfilling your mission to create a more inclusive pipeline for the AEC sector in LA??
A. For us, the ultimate measure of success lies in the transformation experienced by the cohort participants, consisting of a diverse blend of male and female talent from AEC firms of all sizes and types. The overall feedback from those who have experienced our program consistently highlights an increase in self-assurance and confidence, tangible stories of immediately enhanced contributions within their organizations, and, for some, a life-changing experience.?
This program is anchored in a long-term vision—these individuals are the leaders of tomorrow, and our mission is to expedite their rise to leadership. It is only when the talented professionals of color in AEC are provided an opportunity to step up and lead that we can genuinely make our industry an appealing destination for a diverse pool of talent.
We recognize the value in approaching purposeful leadership development through fostering personal growth and cultivating broader perspectives. We firmly believe that the next generation of AEC leaders will embody the essential qualities that will encourage the systemic change that the industry needs.
Q. Non-profit organizations play a crucial role in driving change. What advice would you give to other non-profits, businesses, or individuals looking to make meaningful contributions to fostering inclusivity in traditionally underrepresented fields like architecture, engineering, and construction?
A. The key to this program is partnership and commitment, so we recommend exploring more creative ways to work together. It starts at the leadership level, where Janiece, a professional of color with a background in architecture, and John, a white male CEO with a background in engineering, unite their experience and expertise. Too often, efforts toward diversity, equity and inclusion rely solely on those we aim to uplift, but at LeaderFlow, we emphasize the need for collaboration between EVERYONE. We take this collaboration a step further by assembling sponsors and Flowcilitators from architecture, engineering and construction companies, encouraging leaders from various backgrounds to work together in facilitating the program.???
Our program leverages partnerships with outstanding organizations like the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA), and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). These alliances help us gain more exposure, connect with those who can benefit from the program, and engage companies that are eager to join us in our mission.?
We look forward to honoring LeaderFlow?at the 2023 Design Awards Party, November 30, AIA|LA and ACLA new Center for Communities?
The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects