When Kelly first approached me about running for WILD Int’l President, my first thought was – “Why me?”. Self-doubt as a professional, first-generation woman in the industry is not foreign to me. But the truth is, I have for a very long time felt a deep sense of purpose toward furthering the advancement and visibility of women in our industry.
Over the course of the last year, I have been thinking hard about what could be next for WILD and how I can help to continue our growth and reach. I’m not sure that I have all of the answers, but I do have a spreadsheet of ideas; never underestimate a woman with a plan! My hope is that implementing these ideas will help to continue the mission of creating opportunity for women in this industry to be seen, heard and supported at every tier of their professional lives.
I truly feel that it is through community that our self-doubt begins to quiet, as the people around us become a mirror reflecting who we are and magnifying what we are capable of accomplishing. Together, we can accomplish more than we ever could alone. Without the support of our members, allies and sponsors who continue to support WILD’s mission, none of this would be possible.
As a cornerstone of our community, WILD amplifies underrepresented voices and brings a sense of belonging to many in the industry. I believe that there are even more possibilities for growth – and that carrying on our mission is vital to the continued advancement of our industry.
For those who may be new to WILD or are looking for an opportunity to broaden your network and enhance your interpersonal skills, reach out. We are available and in need of volunteers like you who made this organization what it has become today. Let’s see what we can do next.
Serving on the WILD Board has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career, and stepping away feels a bit like when Mad Men ended: loss, nostalgia, and gratitude all together. But I know the WILD story will continue, and I’m very proud of what we’ve built.
I’ll miss being “on the inside,” but I’m excited to see Nastassia Ortiz bring her creativity and energy to the Board. She represents everything that keeps WILD growing and glowing.
We are an equity organization
I’ve been attending informal WILD events for decades, with about 9 years in leadership and board service. When I look back, it isn’t the meetings, events, spreadsheets, or graphics: it’s what we built and how we built it.
From the start, WILD’s foundation has been rooted in equity, and not just for women. We built it into our structure, creating a leadership model that depends on the Chapter Liaisons for shared decision-making and accountability. Principles of equity shaped every conversation about bylaws, program design, participation, and partnerships.
As Programs Chair, I’ve had the privilege of nurturing four programs, each addressing a different kind of growth. The amazing women leading these efforts found their rhythm in different ways and at different times. As a group, they reflect the full range of what WILD stands for: supporting the whole person, not just the professional.
Lamplighter offers members valuable resources on sexual harassment and bullying awareness and prevention. It’s a heavy topic, but avoiding it is not an option.
PRG+ opened space for “conversations” during COVID and continues to seek transparency from employers on issues that too often remain afterthoughts. It’s empowering simply to say, “You’re not alone.” Lamplighter offers members valuable resources on sexual harassment and bullying awareness and prevention. It’s a heavy topic, but avoiding it is not an option. The DEIR Committee has shifted to collaborating with allied advocacy organizations. Holding space for other marginalized professionals is just about the WILD-est thing we do.
As WILD grows, sustaining our momentum will take more than goodwill. Leadership provides the structure, continuity, and care that turn volunteer energy into lasting strength. WILD will need to invest in the framework that helps chapters and programs thrive year after year.
There’s power in partnership
None of this happens in isolation. We learned early on, and keep learning every day, that we don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Collaborating with groups like local IES sections, NACLIQ, NOMA, IALD, and Equity in Light expands both our reach and our resources. When we share responsibilities across the lighting professions, the whole industry moves forward.
And then there’s Mentorship: the program that truly took flight. I had just about given up finding leadership for this committee when the Sara(h)s stepped forward. (Thank you, Sarah Richter and Sara Schonour!) We started with a small pilot in 2023 and designed it to be peer-to-peer, because every lighting professional has something to teach and something to learn.
The testimonials from generous participants have been profoundly moving: stories of confidence gained, goals clarified, and friendships formed across time zones and career stages. With the next cycle beginning, we’re looking at 100 participants in 2026. Every application represents someone raising her hand to connect, share, and lift others up.
The multiplier effect
These programs, and the relationships behind them, prove the efficacy of collective efforts. WILD isn’t powered by individuals; it runs on people who raise their hands and work together to build something remarkable.
Yes, it’s hard to let go. But it’s easier when you feel proud. As I step back from leadership, I remain an active member. WILD has empowered me to learn and love and lead in ways I never expected. And I know I’ve empowered others in turn. It’s not linear, it’s exponential.
Let’s call it the “empowerment multiplier.” In WILD, the mentee becomes a mentor/leader. The participant is encouraged to organize a group. A young person finds their voice and uses it to open doors for others. The introvert becomes an advocate for many. In fact, it’s logarithmic.
That’s a stellar, immeasurable ROI. The work never ends, but the impact keeps expanding. Welcome, Nastassia. And to everyone considering raising your hand: Work together. Empower yourself. Empower others. And just watch what happens.
As the eldest in my family and the first to attend college in the U.S., National First-Generation Day holds deep personal meaning for me. It represents resilience, determination, and the power of breaking generational cycles.
National First Generation Day is on November 8, 2025. The day is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and resilience of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff. It also commemorates the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded access to college for low-income and first-generation students.
This day is a reminder of the sacrifices my family made and the strength it took to navigate unfamiliar systems without a roadmap. It symbolizes not just my journey, but the hopes and dreams of those who came before me—and the legacy I’m helping to build for those who will come after.
Being a first-generation woman in the lighting and design industry makes this even more significant. It means showing up with pride, paving the way for others, and proving that you don’t have to have a traditional path to make an impact.
Orgullo Latino There is something to say about being a Latina.
I was brought up by humble immigrant parents who came to the US seeking amnesty in the early 80s; El Salvador was amid a civil war. I applaud them for wanting more and risking it all for a better life. As a child, the US was an exciting new world but with a language I quickly had to learn. As la hija mayor I was my own motivator and learned how to be a servant leader. Micultura shaped me and made me who I am today.
“Latinas are considered to be fierce, and we are!”
With fierce determination, I served as a medic in the US Army. Our culture teaches us that it takes a village to get something done and care for others we love. Orgullo comes within even when things are not easy, and you still plow through it. That is what I had to do to become a first-generation college graduate. As a bi-lingual Latina, I want to inspire and speak on behalf of mi familia. We have great faith, heart, love and not to mention good food and music.
Through my 16 years in the Lighting industry, I’ve had many mentors and great leaders who’ve embraced me for me and what I bring to the business. Yes, my Spanglish comes out sometimes but it’s who I am.
To all Latinx coming into the business-
“Be a leader who understands hard work and perseverance. Remember that failures and obstacles are part of life. It’s how you face them that matters. Just ask your Abuelita!”
Great leaders strive to make a difference in the community through the work they put in and leading by example.
Equity in Lighting, recently teamed up with the Asian Lighting Community and WILD’s DEIR team to put forward a second round Lighting Design Industry Census. The purpose of this survey is to provide a rich portrait of the lighting design community through data collection and analysis of the personal, social, and economic characteristics of our group. To better equitably serve our community, we must first get to know our community – who are we, how does our group compare with others, and how has it changed over time.
Celebrating my Latin heritage means taking the platform and step up for future generations of girls and women in creative industries, who, like me, may have grown up looking to roles in other countries & cultures due to the lack of visibility and existing roles in our own.
Caribbean Heritage Month is special to me because it’s been a journey of discovering who I am within the black and Latin communities. My upbringing, influenced by Trinidadian, Haitian, and Jamaican cultures, taught me to appreciate our differences and how they bring us together to create beautiful things in all areas of life. Growing up, I was surrounded by the vibrant traditions, languages, and foods of the Caribbean. From soca music to Carnival celebrations, each aspect of Caribbean culture connected me to my roots and made me feel part of a larger community. As I learned more about my heritage, I realized that despite the differences among Caribbean nations, we share a common history of resilience and pride. This unity inspires creativity and innovation across different industries. Caribbean Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of Caribbean people around the world, from literature and art to music and food. It’s also a chance to challenge stereotypes and promote understanding among diverse communities. For me, this month is about honoring the past, enjoying the present, and looking forward to a future of equality and cultural exchange. It’s a reminder of the enduring spirit and contributions of the Caribbean community.
Heritage Months and Identity Recognitions Feedback Initiative
The purpose of the Heritage and Identity Recognitions Feedback Initiative is to recognize and amplify diverse individuals in the lighting and design industry. The WILD DEIR Committee strives to celebrate the unique experiences of individuals through this feedback platform for positive reflection on how heritage and/or identity has contributed to our lives personally and professionally.
