The following applicants have been awarded the first iteration of the WILD Spark Scholarship will receive a fully funded scholarship to a qualifying lighting conference/event or educational opportunity of their choosing.
Congratulations to the following Scholarship Recipients! Please take time to say hello to them at their respective events they are attending under the WILD spark scholarship.
Thank you so much for this incredible news! I am truly honored to be selected for the WILD Spark Scholarship and so grateful for the opportunity to attend IES26 in Denver. It means so much to have your support for my professional development within the lighting and design community.
I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity and look forward to learning, connecting with other professionals, and making the most of this experience. Thank you again for this honor and for all that WILD does to support young women like me.
Olivia Hayes
Thank you so much for the exciting news! I’m really honored to be selected for the WILD Spark Scholarship and truly appreciate your support.
This opportunity means a lot to me, and I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, grow, and stay engaged with the lighting and design community.
Thanks again for everything, I’m so grateful!
Best,
Sarah Chaplick
What is a Spark?
A Spark can be described as a deep inner enthusiasm for something, driving creativity and a willingness to fully engage.
The WILD Spark Scholarship
Description:
The WILD Spark Scholarship is a scholarship award for WILD members at the Student and Emerging Professional tier of membership. The award is intended to further professional development and to promote the impact that the awarded individual has within the WILD community.
Through a blind review process, awardees will be chosen by a liaison committee based on their applications and commitment to WILD’s mission for equity, dignity and autonomy for all members of the lighting industry.
Scholarship Award:
Awardees of the WILD Spark Scholarship will receive a fully funded scholarship to a qualifying lighting conference/event or educational opportunity of their choosing. See below for qualifying event.
Scholarship Amount:
Varies by qualifying event.
Qualifying Individuals:
Must be a Student or Emerging Professional member of WILD. If you are not currently a member, apply today to qualify.
Qualifying Events:
| June 8-10 | NeoCon (Illuminate Exhibit) – Chicago, IL https://neocon.com/ |
| June 10-13 | AIA Conference – San Deigo, CA https://conferenceonarchitecture.com/ |
| August 13-15 | IES 26 – Denver, CO https://ies.org/events/ies26/ |
| September 15-16 | ArchLIGHT Summit – Dallas, TX https://archlightsummit.com/ |
| September 27-29 | ALA Conference – Tucson, AZ https://alalighting.com/annual-ala-conference |
| October 15-17 | IALD Enlightened – Austin, TX https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/Events/Event%20Display.aspx?EventKey=EA26 |
| October 20-23 | Greenbuild Int’l Conference & Expo – New York, NY https://informaconnect.com/greenbuild/ |
| November 8-11 | IES Street & Area Conference – Pheonix, AZ https://ies.org/events/salc2026/ |
| November 18-19 | Canada Light Expo – Toronto, CAN https://canadalightexpo.com/ |
*If there are other events not listed that you are interested in, please list the event in your application.
**Awardees will be required to work 1 hour at a WILD booth of the qualifying event.
What is WILD’s mission?
Our mission is to provide the lighting industry an inclusive and open environment to engage in conversations and inspire action. We are committed to empowering our members by increasing representation, amplifying their voices, and providing a safe and supportive network for personal and professional growth through connection, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing. Our purpose is to advocate for equity, dignity, and autonomy for women and the benefits of a gender-balanced industry. We welcome all women in lighting and our allies to be part of our community. Together, we are WILD.