Member Feature: JOURNEY ROTH is an Architectural Project Manager at Progressive Companies. She is an active member of WILD Charlotte Chapter. She volunteers as a neonatal kitten foster for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control, caring for litters that are too young for the shelter. “AFTER HOURS“
Take a look at how fostering kittens keep her busy “AFTER HOURS“…
After work, my house often turns into a tiny kitten nursery. I volunteer as a neonatal kitten foster for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control, caring for litters that are too young for the shelter. That means bottle feeding every few hours, keeping them warm, and helping them grow through their first critical weeks of life.
It’s one of the most joyful and humbling things I do. Watching a fragile newborn kitten gain strength, open its eyes, and eventually head off to a forever home never gets old. Fostering reminds me how much small acts of care can matter, and it’s become one of the ways I stay connected to my community outside of work.
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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.
Member Feature: CARLOTTA VERDI is a REGIONAL DIRECTOR MIDDLE EAST AT ARTEMIDE. She likes to keep things fun while still staying connected to what inspires her professionally.
Take a look at what activities keep her busy “AFTER HOURS“…
After hours, I like to keep things fun while still staying connected to what inspires me professionally. I enjoy exploring great restaurants and live music, traveling when I can, and spending quality time with family and friends. I’m naturally curious, so I’m always interested in discovering new places, experiences, and ideas that spark creativity and fresh perspective.
I enjoy staying up to date on industry trends, visiting inspiring spaces, and seeing how lighting transforms environments and brings people together.
That curiosity carries over into my passion for lighting and design. I enjoy staying up to date on industry trends, visiting inspiring spaces, and seeing how lighting transforms environments and brings people together. Whether I’m recharging outdoors, networking with peers, or simply appreciating well-designed spaces, I believe great ideas often come from experiences outside the office—and I bring that energy back into my role as Regional Director.
Want to be featured in what inspires you after hours? Please share with us!
WILD will once again be present and active at many events during LEDucation this April in New York City. Be sure to sign up to Volunteer or stop by our table during the show to say Hello. We’d love to see you.
Our Annual WILD Kick Off Event to LEDucation will be held this year at Parsons’ – The New School. It will directly follow the popular Edison Report’s – Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by designing lighting magazine and Edison Report.
Monday, April 13th – 6:30 PM – WILD Kick Off Event – The Soiree (Parsons)
Tuesday, April 14th – LEDucation Expo – Stop by and visit us at the WILD table
Wednesday, April 15th – “On Wednesday’s – We Wear Pink” – don your best pink attire in support of WILD and Women in Lighting and Design everywhere. Stop by our table to receive a special giveaway while supplies last.
MONDAY, APRIL 13TH – 6:30 pm
Join us for a WILD LEDucation event that’s more than just networking—it’s a celebration of legacy and the launchpad for tomorrow.
This year’s WILD kick-off event is all about bridging connections. Mingle with the next wave of industry leaders and have candid conversations with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award Winners. This is a rare opportunity to meet the pioneers who shaped our industry. It’s also a chance to engage with the innovators defining its future. Come prepared to build, learn, and have fun as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and light the way forward together.
Thank you to Edison Report and Coronet for their support of this event.
WILD MEMBERS – please look for your email with your Special PROMO CODE to join us.
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!
These awards are committee selected and chapter submitted awards recognizing exceptional chapter performance, momentum, and embodiment of WILD values. The committee selected honors are identified through year‑long observation, qualitative review, and comparative assessment by a designated awards committee. While the chapter submitted awards will be submitted per chapter via liaison, more details on the submission process to come.
These awards celebrate both established excellence and emerging leadership, while reinforcing WILD’s culture and values in action.
Recognizing Excellence and Leadership in WILD Chapters
Award Recognition Purpose
Awards highlight excellence, creativity,and leadership within WILD chapters to inspire and empower members.
Community and Mission Reinforcement
Awards strengthen WILD’s mission of community-building, visibility, and professional growth for women and allies.
Equitable and Repeatable Process
The award process is peer-driven, clear, equitable, and designed for consistent annual recognition.
CHAPTER SUBMITTED AWARDS
Outstanding Chapter Leadership – $2,000
Best Social Post – $1,000
Best Virtual / Hybrid Event – $1,000
Wild Card – $500
Outstanding Chapter Leadership Award
Intent and Recognition Criteria
Recognition Purpose
The award honors WILD chapters showing exceptional leadershipacross vision and impact.
Recognized Entities
Recognition is given to the chapter committee as a whole, notindividuals.
Leadership Dimensions
Focus on strategic, cultural, and operational leadership within the chapter team.
Submission Requirements and Evidence
Leadership Narrative
A concise narrative limited to 500words detailing chapter vision,priorities, leadership approach, andstructure.
Impact Summary
Bullet-point summary highlighting membership growth, programming consistency, and partnerships or collaborations.
Evidence Submission
Supporting materials such as event calendars, communication screenshots, member testimonials,and photos of initiatives.
Best Social Post Award
Intent and Eligible Content
Recognition Intent
The goal is to identify one socialmedia post that amplifies WILD’s voice with creativity,clarity, and impact.
Eligible Platforms
Eligible content includes onepost from Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook posted within the award year.
Submission Requirements and Metrics
Essential SubmissionComponents
Include a direct link and screenshot toensure post accessibility and backupin case of link issues.
Context and Purpose
Provide a concise context statement,purpose of the post, intendedaudience, and significance within 200words.
Engagement Metrics
Report basic metrics including likes,shares, comments, saves, and reach tomeasure post impact.
Evaluation Criteria and Weighting
CRITERION
DESCRIPTION
WEIGHT
1
Message Clarity
Clear, compelling, mission-aligned
25
2
Creativity
Visuals, copy, originality
25
3
Engagement
Interaction relative to chapter size
20
4
Brand Alignment
Tone, inclusivity, WILD identity
20
5
Accessibility
Captions, readability, inclusive language
10
Best Virtual or Hybrid Event Award
Intent and Eligible Events
Purpose of the Award
The award honors chapters withoutstanding virtual or hybrid events fostering connection and engagement.
Eligible Event Types
Eligible events include fully virtual orhybrid formats focused on education, networking, or community.
Award Time Frame
Events must be hosted within the award year to qualify for recognition.
Submission Requirements and Evidence
Event Overview Details
Provide a concise overview including goals,format, audience, and a 300-word summary of the event.
Event Specifics
Include date, platform, duration, andattendance figures for both live and virtualparticipants.
Engagement Evidence
Submit 3 to 5 pieces of engagement proof likerecordings, screenshots of chats, polls, orsurveys.
Lessons Learned
Summarize what worked well and whatimprovements are intended in about 150 words.
COMMITTEE SELECTED AWARDS
Chapter of the YEAR – $2,000
Break Out Chapter of the Year- $1,000
WILD Values in Action Award- $1,000
Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Chapter Eligibility
Only active WILD chapters in goodstanding are eligible to submitentries for the awards.
Submission Timeframe
Submissions must be based onwork completed within the awardyear (January 1 to November 1 )
Submission Limits
Each chapter may submit only oneentry per award category to ensurefairness in evaluation.
Member Feature: KETRYNA FARE is a STUDIO DIRECTOR AT CM KLING + ASSOCIATES. She is an active member of WILD and currently is active in both the NY and Orlando chapters. She believes that experiencing different cultures, different rhythms, and different ways of seeing the world are a driving path in a happy life.
Take a look at what activities keep her busy “AFTER HOURS“…
This week, it’s me on ski slopes in Lebanon. Other weeks, it’s barefoot by the beach in São Paulo. Some winters are spent in snow boots, others in sandals (or both).
In between: Florida, São Paulo, Beirut; and everywhere life and work have taken me.
I’m not one thing. I’m a combination of all of it, and I’m better because of it.
Being interviewed on Podcast
Speaking at IALD Enlighten
Skiing in Beirut
Re energizing my mind, body and soul.
Different cultures, different rhythms, different ways of seeing the world.
Long night calls across time zones. Early mornings that start before most cities wake up. Moments of exploration, recalibration, and returning to my roots.
I don’t live on a plane. I experience. I observe. I calibrate.
This way of living isn’t a distraction from my work, it’s the foundation of it. It sharpens my intuition, deepens my perspective, and keeps me grounded in what actually matters: people, culture, context, and meaning.
Every place leaves a trace. And together, they shape how I think, create, and lead.
📍Somewhere between the mountains, the city, and home.
Want to be featured in what inspires you after hours? Please share with us!
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!
I still remember going to my first WILD event over a decade ago. It was in Philadelphia during Lightfair, I was invited by one of my coworkers and I was really nervous to go. To be honest, I had not had great experiences with women in our industry and couldn’t believe there was a community of welcoming, like minded women. To my surprise, there was and I immediately fell in love with WILD! Working in National Accounts, covering different territories and living in a few different places has allowed me to be attend events for a few different chapters.
While each chapter is different, the feeling is the same – community and camaraderie.
At the time there wasn’t a board and, even if there was, I would have never thought that I would be President. I am currently the only original board member since we formed the WILD International Board in 2021. I started as Director of Outreach then began my four year Presidential track: Vice President (President-Elect) under Kelly Roberts in 2023, President in 2024 and 2025, and then Vice President (Past President-Elect) under Stacey Bello for 2026. All in, I’ll have served over six years on the board – it may be a record but there’s still time for someone to beat it!
My time as President has had its ups and downs, there are challenges with being the leader of a volunteer organization. There are times when the criticism hurts, when you question yourself and when you think what did I get myself into? But overcoming all the hardships made me a stronger person and leader. It taught me so much about myself, about management and working with others. One thing I always say is that I gained so much professional knowledge that I would not have learned at my normal job.
WILD – Brighter Together
Being President of a multi-national non-profit gave me so much hands on business experience from marketing, accounting, legal and more. The goals I set for myself were to grow our membership in numbers and in chapters and to create a mentorship program. During my Presidency, our membership grew over 150% from 316 members to 809 members. We added many chapters across the US and Canada including: Boston, Spokane and Edmonton. In addition, we added a WILD Mentorship to our Programs offering – this most recent group is nearly 100 participants!
These milestones wouldn’t have possible without the other board members and Mentorship program leaders. I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many amazing women that I wouldn’t have normally crossed paths with. Sure some connections have helped me professional but more importantly, I have made some great friendships and true connections. Through WILD, I can go to almost any lighting event anywhere in the country or world and see a familiar face because of our organization. There’s a sense of community that can’t be explained.
Serving as President of WILD International has lead to so many other opportunities for me as well. I spoke at the Women’s Luncheon at Lightapalooza in 2024 and 2025 about WILD. I was invited to a Girls Inc. Gala in New York City and was invited to speak on a panel to encourage high school students to explore careers in Construction and Lighting. Delta Airlines also invited me to a private event at Yankees Stadium for an event called Women in Male Dominated Fields. I am honored to be included in these events and I believe WILD opened up these doors for me.
While my Presidency is over, my responsibility is not – I will serve 2026 as Vice President.
I’m so excited to see Stacey take over, she is already doing great things! In addition to supporting her, I will be running a call for volunteers and running elections. We will be filling the Presidential spot, so if you are interested and would like to chat then please let me know.
Serving as President of WILD is a unique opportunity that taught me so much, allowed me to meet so many great women and opened so many doors. I am truly grateful to have served as President and have such a rewarding experience. I would love to speak to anyone that is interested in serving on the Board.
