This is ABOUT something bigger than us.
Industry data shows that, although improving, women and people of color are underrepresented in design and construction fields.
32%
of women and minorities drop off from the architecture profession.
WE CAN DO BETTER.
OUR STORY:
from WOMEN to WE.
Be Fearless. These words remind us of why the organization started and continue to fuel our ambition as we spread our influence to increase visibility and promotion of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in the design and construction industry.
WIELD (Women Inspiring Emerging Leaders in Design) began as a vehicle to raise awareness around gender disparity in the architectural profession. It aimed to fill a gap during the 2017 AIA Women's Leadership Summit by engaging emerging and non-licensed professionals. What began as a humble storytelling platform to amplify the voices of women and empower the next generation of leaders, blossomed into a powerful movement. Over the past three years, although inspiration through storytelling remained at the core of our premier events, we also established a growing social media presence, expanded our programming and outreach, and raised funds for scholarships. Through our efforts, we strive to transition from simply talking about and acknowledging a lack of diversity or opportunities for women and minority professionals, to actually doing something to change these statistics.
After receiving the 2019 AIA Diversity Award, WIELD solidified its partnership with AIA | DC by repositioning itself as the Equity Committee by WIELD. A "forum for solutions, not excuses", the organization now stimulates timely dialogues around the often sensitive topics related to JEDI with the aspiration that these conversations and stories will lead to meaningful action and a community that stands in solidarity. We also believe that emerging leaders in particular, have the power to shape the future of our industry to bridge existing gaps from pipeline to senior leadership. We recognize that supporting them throughout their unique career paths towards their versions of success is a void where our organization can have an impact.
Change in our industry will take time, but we are excited to build off the momentum from the past few years. This is no longer just about women; all of us play a role in creating a profession that encourages every individual, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, background, etc., to bring his/her full self to work each day. Each of us can create a profession in which all voices are not only heard, but also valued.
Together, WE Inspire Emerging Leaders in Design.
Recipient of the
2019 AIA Diversity Award
check out the article recognizing honorees in Architect Magazine!
MISSION STATEMENT
AMPLIFYING DIVERSE VOICES AND EMPOWERING EMERGING LEADERS IN OUR PROFESSION TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF GENDER, ETHNICITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR BACKGROUND, HAS EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO REALIZE SUCCESS.
GOALS
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Promote equity and inclusion in the architecture profession in Washington, DC and beyond.
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Amplify diverse voices in design and construction.
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Host events that inspire, connect, educate, and unite.
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Increase the visibility of our profession to underrepresented groups.
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Provide professionals with JEDI resources and tools.
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Support emerging leaders in their journeys to realize their versions of success.
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Create opportunities for networking and finding mentors (both with established leaders and peer-to-peer)
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Promote succession planning and increased retention of mid-career professionals.
LEVERS OF CHANGE
Here's what we are doing to reach our goals and push the needle towards a more equitable and inclusive profession for future generations.
2024 leadership
The Equity Committee by WIELD wouldn't exist without its growing network of members, event attendees, partners, and allies, but it also wouldn't be possible without the passion and dedication of the Executive and Advisory Committees working behind-the-scenes.
[ExCom]
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
[AdCom]
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Roles and duties are outlined in the Committee Handbook
general body members
storytelling advisor
mentorship advisor
Open Position!
Reach out to Co-Chairs
if you are Interested
community impact advisor
Open Position!
Reach out to Co-Chairs
if you are Interested
Esin Erk
communications advisor
Katelyn Hestad
social
advisor
Open Position!
Reach out to Co-Chairs
if you are Interested
PARTNERS
Partnerships are powerful. When we support each other we can cast a wider net and have a greater impact. Special thanks to all the organizations we have worked with in the past. Have an idea or want to join forces with us - LET'S COLLABORATE!
2021 SPONSORS
Fundraising and sponsorship enables us to provide relevant information and organize valuable events for our growing audience and current members. It also allows us to support local scholarships. Thank you to our 2020 sponsors and to everyone who has supported our mission along the way whether financially or otherwise - we deeply appreciate you! View our Past Sponsors.
To become a sponsor, please read our Sponsorship Package
