Like many others in this industry, I discovered my passion for lighting purely by chance. While studying interior design, a required fundamentals of lighting course happened to coincide with visiting an immersive exhibit by artist Olafur Eliasson. I was captivated by Eliasson’s masterful use of light to transform space and alter perception and intrigued by the potential to use light as a medium to shape our experience of the built environment. Returning to my lighting class with newfound enthusiasm, my professor recognized my growing interest and provided me with additional resources to learn more and encouraged me to get involved in the lighting design community. This pivotal moment became instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. Thanks to a spark of inspiration, my professors guidance, and the welcoming atmosphere of the lighting community, I ended up pursuing a master’s degree in illumination design, setting me on the path to becoming a lighting designer.
My personal experience highlights the importance of early exposure in shaping future lighting leaders and I’m deeply committed to nurturing that spark in the next generation. Through my position as Outreach Chair on the Board of Directors, I’ve had the opportunity to launch WILD’s student outreach initiative this past year, kicking off a successful pilot program with California College of the Arts (CCA). In partnership with educator and WILD member Margo Majewska, we’ve explored ways to utilize the WILD network to foster connections between faculty, students, and industry professionals. One highlight of this collaboration was a tour of the SF Lucifer Lighting showroom for CCA students, made possible by the efforts of WILD Portland and SF chapter leaders Julia Redfern, Maryanne Berger, and Leslie Siegel. The tour was a resounding success, receiving glowing reviews from students and faculty.
We’ve since begun developing partnerships with more lighting and related programs across North America and hope to continue to grow in the future. By curating tailored initiatives for students and forging strong local partnerships through our WILD chapter network, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable industry, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in lighting.
Building on this momentum, we’re actively seeking volunteers to help us grow in the following areas:
- Lighting Manufacturers open to hosting tours of showrooms or manufacturing facilities for students to learn about lighting firsthand
- Lighting Professionals interested in sharing their expertise through participation in guest lectures or student reviews
- Educators seeking ways to enrich your lighting curriculum
- Students curious about the world of lighting design and WILD
Contact outreach@womeninlightinganddesign.org to get involved!
Student outreach is only the first step in this journey, ongoing support and mentorship are equally vital for professional growth. Following the success of the pilot program, WILD is thrilled to expand our peer-to-peer Mentorship Program, aiming to connect women at all stages of their lighting careers and create a safe and supportive space for WILD members to navigate their professional journeys, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential. Join us at the upcoming membership meeting on August 19th to find out more.
In closing, I want to express sincere gratitude to all the volunteers who have made these programs and initiatives possible. Your dedication and passion are instrumental in our mission. And to our student and educator members, welcome to the WILD community! We’re excited to have you join us.