AIA Announces Lineup for its 2023 Women’s Leadership Summit

WASHINGTON – August 21, 2023 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Women's Leadership Summit (WLS) 2023, being held in Boston from September 12–14, is the largest event focused on diverse women in design and construction. More than 800 attendees will gain actionable insights to build their career and create professional opportunities.

This summit brings together women from all corners of the industry -- from experienced professionals to recent graduates -- for two days of innovative ideas and fearless conversations that will support and empower women on their leadership journeys in design and construction.

“The Women’s Leadership Summit is an exciting event, with attendees who are committed to change in the profession,” said AIA EVP & Chief Executive Officer Lakisha Woods. “Our goal is to provide the inspiration and motivation for every individual to act with intention in creating a more diverse and welcoming profession."

WLS Keynotes: Opening keynote featuring panel discussion with Tiffany Chu, Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Boston, and Evelyn Murphy, who formerly served as the Lt. Governor of Massachusetts. Murphy was the first woman to hold this office. Both Chu and Murphy have architecture backgrounds and pivoted into public service.

Space architect, technologist, and researcher Melodie Yashar, vice president of design and performance at ICON, headlines the second keynote, where she will discuss the paradigm shifts of homebuilding on Earth and beyond.

The closing keynote features Aurora James, the visionary behind the sustainable luxury fashion brand Brother Vellies and one of the fastest growing social nonprofits, the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which she launched with an idea and an Instagram post. The conversation will be moderated by 2023 AIA President Emily Grandstaff-Rice.

To view the full schedule and get more information about the WLS visit: https://events.aia.org/s/lt-event?id=a1Y8Z00000872ZS#/About-WLS Members of the media interested in covering WLS contact:

Tim Trudell timothytrudell@aia.org

About AIA

Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing.

AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards.