A Welcome Reprieve and a “WILD” New Chapter

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

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.

The Light We Share: Community, Mentorship, and Growth

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

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!

My Path to WILD

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

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

Truly Grateful

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

by Alessa Aguayo, LC, WELL AP

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.

Stay Wild,

Lift as you Climb

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

by Stacey Teresa Bello

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.

What We’ve Built, Together

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

by Lois I. Hutchinson

It’s hard to let go.

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.

WILD Mentorship: Connecting Peer-to-Peer

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design
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“Female colleagues at every stage of their careers stand ready and willing to support one another.”

Juliana Ruffalo,
Senior Sales at Visual Interest

” My strongest takeaway from the WILD Mentorship program was the group of women in my cohort: four professionals hailing from different regions and different facets of the lighting industry. These women have become more than colleagues: they are resources, cheerleaders, advocates, and friends who will continue to shape my career as long as I am part of this profession. I have to admit, I was surprised by the overall experience and the friendships made.”

I had never done anything like this before, but my experience encapsulates the purpose of the WILD Mentorship program: creating a structured space where professionals can learn directly from one another. I was originally expecting a traditional mentor-mentee model, where a veteran professional guides a junior colleague. But WILD has adopted peer-to-peer mentorship. This format allowed the four of us to share experiences, and it turns out people at different stages of their careers often face similar challenges. We were mostly mid-career professionals – some undergoing transitions in our careers. (For instance, I recently started dedicating more time to mentoring junior sales persons at my firm.) Every one of us brought valuable insights; optimally exchanged in an open, confidential setting.

Understanding peer-to-peer mentorship 

Peer-to-peer mentorship is not unique to lighting. It is a well-established model practiced in professional development across many industries. Instead of the mentor giving and the mentee receiving, everyone in the group takes turns sharing experiences and resources, asking questions, and offering advice.

” It’s important for participants to turn off or set aside any distractions for the devoted mentoring hour, so they can fully benefit from not only being a teacher, but also a deep-listening learner. This approach creates space for intergenerational learning. Younger professionals bring new ways of thinking about communication, evolving workplace expectations, and emerging technologies. A mid-career designer transitioning to management may gain insight from a veteran manufacturers rep. Or a regional sales manager may learn from a daily Revit user.”

At any stage of your career you have lessons learned (often the hard way) from navigating projects, clients, career transitions, and our complex supply chain. It was my hope in being open and honest with my group that they could benefit from my hard-earned lessons.

Structure

In the WILD Mentorship program, participants are placed in small cohorts of four to six professionals that meet online twice a month: a commitment of about 3 hrs a month. As a full-time employee and a busy mom of two, this originally sounded like a lot, but I quickly realized, you will likely only need to lead or prepare for every fifth or sixth meeting. For the rest, you’re listening to individuals you learn to respect. 

Each group is intentionally composed of people from different regions (so you’re likely not matched with your boss or client) and different sectors of the industry. We spanned all four time zones, so finding a time that worked for everyone is a challenge. Friday afternoon (1:00 pm Mountain) worked well for us. For me, it felt like a good departure from day-to-day tasks to focus on broader career and self-improvement issues. As an initial icebreaker, we all did a personality assessment (HIGH5), which turned out to be useful for my sales team as well.

Six months seems to be a sweet spot where trust builds gradually. Meeting twice a month consistently helps groups move beyond surface-level introductions into deeper discussions, and allows for flexibility with busy schedules should any sessions need to be adjusted. The online format makes participation accessible no matter where you live or work. And the small group size ensures everyone has the opportunity to engage and to lead.

What makes it successful?

  • Equality of roles: There is no single mentor. Everyone contributes knowledge and receives support.
  • Structured cadence: Though scheduling can be challenging, twice-monthly 1-hour meetings provide consistency without overwhelming commitment. 
  • Diversity of perspectives: Cohorts are designed to include different disciplines and regions, broadening conversations.
  • Resiliency: The small-group format minimizes the risk of a single unsuccessful mentor-mentee match, ensuring deep connections through sharing and commitment.
  • Flexibility in topics: Conversations move beyond technical issues into leadership, self-empowerment, workplace culture, career changes, and other (sometimes surprising) topics.
  • Safe space: Repeated interaction within a small group builds trust and encourages honest dialogue, especially knowing that what’s mentioned in the cohort, stays in the cohort.

” I loved that our cohort explored topics both in and outside of lighting, and I am so grateful to the women in my cohort. They were easy to talk to, understanding, and, most of all, inspiring with their drive to continue to learn and collaborate! Their different perspectives, approaches, challenges, and successes gave me new insight into the possible directions a career in lighting may lead.”

Lasting benefits

The benefits of peer-to-peer mentorship will extend far beyond the six months of scheduled meetings. Though my cohort will not continue to meet monthly, we will keep in touch and hope to meet in-person at a trade show or industry event in the future. Exposure to different parts of the industry brought insights and perspectives I may never have encountered in my work as a manufacturers representative. Instead of adding one mentor to my network, I’ve established several peers as future resources and soundingboards.

“Hearing how others have faced similar challenges (successfully or not so much) made me realize I am not alone and prompted me to look for solutions in places I may not have considered otherwise. My peers provided valuable tools, and we encouraged each other to pursue opportunities as they presented themselves. Sharing our own experiences boosted our mental health/wellbeing, as well as our confidence.  I can’t speak for everyone, but I better appreciate the value of my existing knowledge and skills.”

The lighting industry can be known as a lifetime sentence. While roles may shift – from designer to manufacturer to rep to educator – individuals often remain connected to the field for decades. Strengthening peer networks early and mid-career helps professionals, especially women, envision a sustainable and rewarding future here. Retention is one of WILD’s core goals, and Mentorship plays an important role. Female colleagues at every stage of their careers stand ready and willing to support one another.

A Bright Future for WILD and a Grateful Farewell

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

As this year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on my journey with Women in Lighting and Design (WILD), an organization that has been a cornerstone of my professional life for over a decade. What began as a collective of passionate, creative women with a shared vision has grown into a dynamic and influential community. It’s been an honor to contribute to that growth and witness firsthand the remarkable achievements of this organization.

Serving on the Board of Directors, and most recently as Past-President, has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. The friendships formed, the challenges overcome, and the goals accomplished together have shaped not only WILD’s trajectory but also my own. This incredible community has provided me with invaluable opportunities for growth and professional development, helping me evolve in ways I never anticipated.

In preparing to step off the Board,  I am incredibly optimistic about the path ahead for WILD. The next generation of WILD leaders is brimming with innovative ideas and a deep sense of purpose. Their vision will undoubtedly bring new opportunities to connect, educate, and advocate for women in lighting and design. I am excited to see how they will expand WILD’s reach and impact, ensuring that our mission resonates far and wide.

As I transition into a supporting role as an active member, I am filled with gratitude. To my fellow Board members, past and present: thank you for your trust, collaboration, and unwavering passion. To our members and supporters: thank you for believing in WILD’s mission and making it the vibrant community it is today. Your efforts remind us all why this work matters and how much can be accomplished when we come together.

The beauty of WILD lies in its resilience and its ability to adapt and grow. Each of us plays a part in that, and I look forward to continuing to support this community in new ways. As we prepare to usher in a new chapter, I encourage everyone to stay engaged, share your voice, and take pride in being part of a movement that champions equality, creativity, and excellence.

Here’s to the future of WILD—may it shine even brighter with the passion and dedication of its new leaders and the ongoing support of this extraordinary community.

Warmly,
Kelly Roberts
Past-President, Women in Lighting and Design

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Back to School … with a word from WILD Outreach Chair – Haley Laurence

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

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.

Statement in Support of the Women of Iran

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

Women in Lighting + Design supports the women and allies in Iran fighting for their rights, fighting against oppression, and showing immense courage in the pursuit of gender equality.

In September, protests erupted across Iran concerning Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died under suspicious circumstances while in the custody of Iran’s “morality police.” This group enforces the laws requiring women to cover their head and body. Religious freedom is the choice to wear these garments, repression is requiring it, and oppression is the fear that noncompliance is a death sentence. This enforcement is only one of the many ways that life for Iranians is controlled. The required wearing of the hijab has become a symbol of the totalitarian system controlling the daily lives of the people and more so the women of Iran.

 Mahsa Amini’s tragic death, and the protests that followed, have brought international attention to the oppression and disenfranchisement of women in Iran. After decades of injustice, these women-led protests condemn current practices in Iran and call for an end to the current facist regime. Many women are risking arrest by publicly waving or burning their veils and cutting off their own hair. The demand is that ALL the people of Iran have the right to basic human dignity, political and civic liberty. This message moves across the lines of gender, class, religion or ethnicity, calling for freedom and justice for all people, regardless of those differences. Protests have been met with internet shutdowns, arrests, and violent crackdowns, leaving more than 5,000 protestors, journalists, and activists arrested, hundreds injured, and more than 200 dead.

These protesters are our sisters. As they sacrifice everything in the struggle for dignity, we urge WILD members and the lighting community to support women’s rights in Iran through the following means:

LEARN more about the Iranian protests. Start by watching an explanation of the protest by Al Jazeera English (AJE) correspondent Dorsa Jabbari, and continue with the additional resources found below.

SIGN the Amnesty International petition calling on the United Nations Human Rights Council to end the violence against protestors in Iran.

DONATE to the Iran American Women’s Foundation, a platform for empowerment and networking among Iranian American women, and currently working to bring attention to the Iranian protests and keep this fight for justice in the headlines.

SHARE this information and spread awareness on social media platforms to keep the spotlight on the brave protesters. 

Zan, Zendegi, Azadi   |  Woman, Life, Freedom

#MahsaAmini #IranianWomen #WomenLifeFreedom #StandWithIranianProtesters 

Additional Resources: