Reflections from the 2024 AIA Women’s Leadership Summit: Fostering Connection, Mindfulness, and Career Empowerment

The 2024 AIA Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) in Chicago brought together women in architecture for a powerful gathering centered on connection, mindfulness, and personal growth. Anna Pravinata, Amanda Arnold, and Rula Shadid represented Alliiance, bringing back valuable insights on how leadership is evolving and how women will shape the future of design.

Their reflections focused on three key themes: building connections, embracing mindfulness, and navigating career paths with confidence.

Building Connections: The Power of Diverse Experiences
A central takeaway from the summit was the importance of connecting with other women in architecture. Through shared stories, keynote speakers emphasized the strength that comes from diverse experiences. Rula highlighted Sumayya Vally’s reflections on how her upbringing in a segregated suburb of Johannesburg shaped her understanding of space and her design work, including the 2021 Serpentine Pavilion in London.

Similarly, Gia Biagi spoke about the significance of community-centered urbanism. Her work in city planning illustrated how architects can draw on their personal backgrounds to design spaces that are both functional and responsive to environmental challenges.

For Anna, Amanda, and Rula, these stories underscored the significance of building professional relationships. By connecting with peers and mentors, women can create opportunities, share resources, and foster a more inclusive industry.

Mindfulness: Strengthening Leadership through Presence
Mindfulness emerged as another essential theme. In the fast-paced world of architecture, mindfulness helps leaders manage stress and build resilience. Amanda highlighted the importance of being fully present, both at work and in life, to enhance leadership effectiveness.

At the summit, mindfulness was presented not only as a tool to prevent burnout but also as a strategy for thriving. Attendees were encouraged to slow down, practice intentionality, and incorporate routines that promote balance. Simple practices like journaling or taking nature walks can help architects and designers reset and approach their work with renewed focus.

Amanda is committed to bringing these insights back to Alliiance, promoting a supportive workplace where mindfulness is integrated into daily practices. This approach fosters a healthier team dynamic, where everyone feels valued and able to contribute meaningfully.

Career Empowerment: Defining Your Own Path
The discussions on career development were especially impactful. Rather than adhering to traditional expectations, the WLS encouraged women to chart their own paths based on their unique strengths and aspirations.Mentorship and support networks were also emphasized. Both Amanda and Rula recognized the value of finding mentors who inspire them and offer specific guidance. Building these relationships is key to advancing in leadership and creating a fulfilling, authentic career.

Moving Alliiance Forward
For Alliiance, supporting women’s participation in the WLS is more than individual growth—it’s about shaping the future of the firm and the profession. By sharing insights on connections, mindfulness, and career empowerment, Anna, Amanda, and Rula are helping to cultivate a more inclusive, diverse, and innovative culture at Alliiance.

The summit reinforced Alliiance’s belief that diversity drives creativity and innovation. By fostering an environment where women are empowered to build meaningful connections, prioritize well-being, and define their own career paths, we are leading the way toward a more equitable future in architecture.

Through this commitment, Alliiance continues to support women in leadership, ensuring that the next generation of female architects has the tools, networks, and confidence to succeed.