Experiencing Inclusivity and Inspiration at the AIA 2025 Women’s Leadership Summit
Written by Kelly Alter, AIA, LEED AP
While 50% of architecture students are women, we make up only 27% of licensed architects, and only 21% of firm leadership. As the recipient of the AIA Toledo Travel Grant, I had the opportunity to attend the AIA 2025 Women’s Leadership Summit in Atlanta this November. In a room with 1000 other women, I felt innately included by being in the majority, rather than the minority. A rare experience for a woman in our field. Not a “female architect,” just an “architect.” To see so many successful women, many of them FAIA, speak at the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit was truly a “see it, be it” moment for me. It was refreshing to see parts of myself in each of them, listen to their sage advice, and be inspired by their perseverance and desire to lift us all up.
Former coworkers, Sheetal Vora from Perkins&Will Chicago and Kelly Alter from The Collaborative
For example, listening to Liz York, FAIA and Principal at HDR, speak about influence vs power and how representation matters, I saw a leader I’d like to emulate. Not only was her message essential, but her character showed me that you can be kind, warm, inclusive and be an extremely successful businessperson. I saw the same in Barbara Bouza, FAIA and Executive Director at CannonDesign. These traits are often considered “feminine”, and the business world tends to place a higher value on “masculine” traits. I would challenge us all to assess our biases and consider what an immense asset these softer traits can be in the business world. Let’s encourage them as much as we encourage the others. Diverse perspectives like this contribute to a richer design profession. As Wendy Roger, FAIA and CEO/CTO at LPA, so eloquently stated about creating a culture of inclusion, “Be bold. Advocate for what you care about. Design the firm you want to lead in the future.”
In addition to all the enlightening conference sessions, as a curious architect, I had to get out and check out the sites. My all-time favorite was the Atlanta Beltline. An inspiring, eclectic, multi-dimensional collection of unique spaces lining a pedestrian path that runs for miles. I took a city bike there during every conference break, noticing something new each time and being reminded of the power of space to inspire and delight.
The cultural diversity of the city of Atlanta, and the inclusive leadership demonstrated at the AIA 2025 Women’s Leadership Summit was immeasurably motivating to me as I continue to advocate for inclusivity and collaboration among diverse parties in the profession. I’m so grateful to the AIA Toledo Chapter and my company, The Collaborative, for providing the resources, time, and encouragement that made it possible to attend this conference.
