Read more: Taking the long way around to lighting…

by Brooke Williams, Senior Designer, HLB

Hi! I’m Brooke Williams, a senior lighting designer at HLB in San Francisco. I took the long way around to lighting — starting in architectural engineering at CU Boulder, switching to Environmental Design, and ultimately finding lighting through the certificate program. It turned out to be the perfect overlap of my engineering brain and my design heart, and I’ve been in it ever since.

View Brooke’s Story at CU Bolder

I’ve been fortunate to work at a range of firms and to learn from mentors at every step. I’ve had opportunities to work on projects from trash enclosures to high-end residential — and I’ve found joy in all of it.

Everything needs light. It always matters. And at the end of the day, it’s always for people.

I joined my first Women in Lighting + Design (WILD) call in my second week in the industry. I’d never been part of a professional organization before, but I kept showing up, slowly came out of my shell, and started building real connections. Nearly eight years later, the women I’ve met through WILD are some of the best people I know across all ages, experiences, and roles in the industry. It’s a community that grows quietly over time, until one day you realize it feels almost like family.

I’m also a recent co‑coordinator for the International Association of Lighting Designers San Francisco (IALD SF), and I absolutely love being part of that broader global community.

For anyone newer to the industry: keep showing up, say hi, and ask all the questions.

by Kathleen Ameera Rivero, Brand Manager – MEIA & ASEAN, Tridonic Middle East FZE

I am writing this to you all from Dubai, where I’ve spent the last decade-plus immersed in the world of lighting. I  recently woke up to the incredible news that my concept was selected as the winner of the first-ever WILD T shirt design competition. Honestly, it was the perfect reprieve and a much-needed dose of positive energy  amidst the heavy news cycles we’ve all been seeing lately. 

My journey in this industry began over 13 years ago. I started in sales for the Middle East branch of Mackwell,  an emergency lighting manufacturer based in the UK while at the same time, working for Archilum, a lighting  specialist based in Dubai. I was hired directly from the Philippines. I then continued my career as the Marketing  Communications Specialist for MEIAT (Middle East, India, Africa, and Turkey) for Tridonic and have grown  alongside the brand, eventually moving into Brand Management for the MEIA-ASEAN regions. From  conceptualizing marketing campaigns from start to finish and to managing regional budgets, my career has  always sat at the intersection of technical lighting and creative storytelling. 

Recently, I’ve been able to apply that technical rigor to a prestigious global recognition in the industry. I am  proud to have been instrumental for Tridonic’s last five DALI Lighting Awards wins dating back to 2022 — maintaining a 100% hit rate, with two of those five prestigious awards secured just this year in the DALI Awards  2026. 

The Inspiration for the design: Classy, Eclectic, and Purposeful 

When I sat down to conceptualize this design for WILD, I wanted to step away from the “dated” aesthetics often  found in corporate apparel and move toward something classy, eclectic, and purposeful all at the same time. 

The design is rooted in the theme of International Women’s Day, whose main colors is a palette of purple,  green, and white.  

Purple signifies justice and dignity, and being loyal to the cause. 

Green symbolizes hope. 

White represents purity, albeit a controversial concept. Yet, the wearing of white is a symbol of sisterhood and  solidarity, respecting and representing the progress made by those who have fought for women’s suffrage. 

To deepen the narrative of this piece, I incorporated the powerful symbol of The Lotus Flower: A symbol of growth and beauty blooming from murky waters. For me, it represents beauty, absolute purity, honesty, rebirth, self-regeneration, and enlightenment — a reminder that  even in heavy times, we can create something vibrant and purposeful. 

The graphic elements — the stylized spotlights and circuit lines and tools — reflect our daily technical reality.  It’s a tribute to the “WILD” spirit we all share: the courage to be different, the drive to innovate, and the  commitment to lighting up the world in our own way. 

I am so honored to officially join the WILD community as a member and to see this design worn by such a  talented group of women. Thank you for this opportunity! I look forward to growing more in this industry with  all of you.

by Nancy Stathes, President, Specialty Lighting Industries

WILD has blossomed from the conversations on the floor at Lightfair in NYC many years ago and it has grown into an incredible resource for all in the lighting community.  We learn, exchange, respect, grow and make new friends!  I enjoy so many of the programs in different cities across the country. I have had the privilege of being an active participant in discussions and spreading the word. We are one community.  

I have been surrounded by a community that has always been welcoming and gives. I have a debt of gratitude to my mentors, colleagues and friends who have been my guiding light. As a proud member of several associations for decades, I have and continue to volunteer in hopes of giving back a small piece in return for what I have received. 

My lighting journey began 37 years ago in the Spring of this year, at 21, fresh out of school, bit by the lighting bug-and it has been an incredible journey. There is still so much to learn and even more to give.

For 35 years, I’ve shared my life with an amazing husband. We love cooking, enjoying good wine, connecting with friends and sporting events. I love to read. We are so proud of our two incredible grown children. Sunday family dinners, with their partners, remain one of my greatest joys as our family continues to grow.  

As a proud member of several associations for decades, I have and continue to volunteer in hopes of giving back a small piece in return for what I have received. 

A few things I have learned along the way:

Remember, there are more of us in your corner than you think, don’t be afraid to reach out!

– Take a breath first. 

– Be the best version of yourself-not who your audience wants to see. 

– Embrace change and then effect change. 

Remember, there are more of us in your corner than you think, don’t be afraid to reach out!

by Adrienne Jones, LC, MIES

How I got here:

My path into the lighting industry, like many others I know, was completely unexpected.  I started working for a lighting rep at the age of nineteen.  At the time I thought it was just a temporary job while I figured out what I wanted my bachelor’s degree in.  Almost twenty-seven years later, I’m still here and grateful that I stumbled into this wonderfully chaotic field.  The industry is constantly evolving and there are endless things to learn, which for those who know me, that suits me very well!  Along the way I’ve also built lifelong friendships with some incredible people.

What WILD means to me:

WILD represents another level of personal and professional fulfillment for me.  I joined the Seattle Chapter in 2022 and have served as Secretary since January 2025. In just a few years I have met an amazing number of passionate individuals and have witnessed the dedication that goes into creating meaningful programs and events.  I was fortunate to participate in the Mentorship Program last year and am serving on the committee for 2026.  If you have any interest here, I encourage you to participate.  Some of the most meaningful discussions I’ve had were with my cohort last year.  It’s amazing to see women (and allies) uplifting and encouraging one another.

In my spare time:

Apart from my career in lighting, and roles within WILD, I love painting dog portraits. I learned French in my thirties so I am always working to maintain my level.  I’m also halfway towards getting my Master of Science in Construction Management.  It can be a lot to juggle, but as I figured out long ago, women know how to get it done!

Advice for Emerging Professionals:

My advice for emerging professionals would just be to dive in and get involved!  Reach out to your local chapter, and if you don’t have one yet, let us know.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back as you grow and expand your network at the same time.  WILD has several programs that could use your voice and support.  Everyone has a superpower to share!

Adrienne Jones

WILD Secretary