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.
The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) Southeast, Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Atlanta, and Women in Lighting + Design (WILD) Atlanta chapters are proud to announce the return of their annual Holiday Gathering, taking place on December 10, 2025, at Indie Studios in Atlanta.
This festive event brings together members from all three chapters and welcomes lighting professionals from across the commercial and architectural sectors to connect, celebrate, and learn more about each chapter’s mission.
Now in its second year, the event builds on the success of last year’s inaugural gathering, which drew strong attendance and community support. This year, attendees will enjoy an evening of networking, food, drinks, and entertainment, while engaging with peers and discovering opportunities for involvement in each organization. A highlight of the evening is the toy donation drive benefiting Children’s Healthcareof Atlanta (CHOA).
Demonstrating the lighting community’s generosity, last year’s toy drive filled an entire SUV with new donations – an outpouring of support that CHOA volunteers described as both overwhelming and deeply appreciated. This year, the chapters aim to double the impact. Guests are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped gifts for children and young adults from infancy through age 21 to help bring joy to patients and families during the holiday season.
Sponsors supporting this year’s event include:
The Edison Report, Today In Lighting, Designing Lighting Magazine, Acuity Brands Lighting, Cooper Lighting, Bell & McCoy, ArchLIGHT Summit, Ardd + Winter, and TAG Lighting Brands.
Join the Atlanta lighting industry for a night of celebration, connection, and giving back to close out the year with purpose and community spirit.
About the Organizing Chapters:
IALD Southeast Chapter
The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) Southeast Chapter represents professional lighting designers across the region, promoting excellence in lighting design and supporting education, advocacy, and community engagement.
IES Atlanta Section
The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Atlanta Section is dedicated to advancing the art and science of lighting through education, standards development, and knowledge sharing among engineers, designers, and industry professionals.
WILD Atlanta Chapter
Women in Lighting + Design (WILD) Atlanta Chapter fosters a supportive and inclusive community for women and allies in the lighting industry, promoting mentorship, advocacy, and professional growth.
Be sure to join WILD at “The Connections Section” during the show to learn more about how to get involved in the Canada Chapters with the leaders listed below.
“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.
If you’re headed to IALD Enlighten in Arizona in October, be sure to join the WILD Chapter members present during the Friday Lunch for an informal “Advocacy Meet Up”.
Women in Lighting + Design (WILD) is lighting the way to a more balanced, equitable, and diverse industry with its groundbreaking Mentorship Program, returning in January 2026 for its second formal cohort. Applications open this October.
Launched as a pilot in June 2023, the program reimagines traditional mentorship by breaking away from one-to-one models. Instead, WILD connects members across career stages in peer-to-peer group cohorts that foster shared learning, mutual support, and professional growth. After a successful first formal launch in 2024, the program is scaling up once again to meet strong industry demand.
A New Model for Mentorship
The WILD Mentorship Program is not business-as-usual. The first round brought together 13 diverse cohorts of 4–6 members each, blending lighting designers, manufacturers, sales agents, educators, and more. This cross-pollination created space for both emerging professionals and industry veterans to step into the dual role of mentor and mentee, forming lasting professional and personal connections.
Why It Matters
Impact and Praise from Participants
Mentorship is a proven driver of advancement and retention—yet only 37% of women professionals report having a mentor. WILD is closing that gap, providing women in lighting and their allies with a community of opportunity and support. The program now stands alongside WILD’s other national initiatives—the DEIR Committee, Lamplighter Coalition, and Parent Resource Group—all of which collectively serve 26 chapters nationwide.
Demand for the inaugural round was overwhelming, with 80+ applications received in the open call for participation. Participants described the program as enriching and career-shaping:
“I am 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!” said Juliana Ruffalo, Specification Sales Agent, Denver, CO.
“It felt incredible to both give and receive insight,” said Mary Hollenbaugh, Sales Director, Acuity Brands.
“This program gave me the community I was looking for,” said Carrie Walker, lighting designer, Atlanta, GA.
The mentorship format’s mix of structure, flexibility, and inclusivity proved transformative for participants at every career stage.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming second cohort will continue WILD’s emphasis on collaboration, accountability, and inclusivity while expanding to new formats—such as smaller groups for students and emerging professionals, industry roundtables addressing today’s most pressing topics, and “fireside chats” getting to know leaders in the field.
Ultimately, the WILD Mentorship Program is about more than mentorship—it’s about building a stronger, more resilient industry by cultivating diverse talent and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Applications Open
October 15
For more information on the program and its success to date, check out the WILD Mentorship webpage or read the LD+A article by Mentorship Program Chairs Sara Schonour and Sarah Richter.
Jennifer Pierce | Principal, Boston Light Source | Boston Chapter Member
I never planned to end up in the lighting industry, but fate (and a well-timed newspaper ad) had other ideas. Back in the day, I was studying criminal justice, convinced I would one day be an FBI agent. I had this clear vision of myself wearing a suit, running around solving crimes, and making a difference. But as life often does, it threw a curveball my way. As a young mom balancing school and the need for a steady income, I took a customer service job at an electrical distributor, thinking it would be a temporary gig. Little did I know, what started as a job would soon evolve into a passion-fueled career, one that’s spanned over 20 years, and counting.
Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting into. I was just trying to make ends meet while juggling school and the early surprise of motherhood. But I quickly discovered I loved helping people. And as I learned more about lighting, energy, and the complex problem-solving behind it all, I found myself more and more invested. I kept asking questions, getting my hands dirty, learning everything I could and before I knew it, I was hooked.
Since 2011, I’ve been with Boston Light Source, where I now serve as Principal. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on both the distribution and contracting sides of the business. That well-rounded experience has given me a unique perspective and a ton of heart that I pour into every project. Whether I’m a part of creative specification driven solutions or mentoring the next generation of lighting professionals. I’m proud of the role we all play in shaping the way people experience space through light.
I truly believe that lighting is so much more than just selecting fixtures. It’s about how people feel, how they move, how they connect in a space. What we do impacts people in ways we don’t always see, and that’s what makes this industry so rewarding.
The road to leadership, however, hasn’t been without its challenges. Navigating a traditionally male dominated industry while raising a child on my own wasn’t easy. It required a lot of resilience, adaptability, and sometimes a stubborn belief in my own value. But I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and honestly, the rewards make it all worth it. One of the most meaningful parts of my role today is being able to support others, especially young women, so they can harness their voice and claim their place in the industry.
I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the WILD Boston Chapter. I’ve been a member since it reignited in 2023, and my favorite event so far has been our post Boston Lights Expo mixer. The energy in that room was electric, literally and figuratively! It was so inspiring to connect with like-minded allies, all committed to pushing the industry forward. The support and camaraderie were undeniable, and I left feeling absolutely energized. I am looking forward to continuing to contribute to the organization in meaningful ways as we grow.
Outside of work, I’m a busy and fulfilled mom of two, an enthusiastic home cook who loves experimenting with healthy, tasty meals, and someone who enjoys getting in a good workout or hitting the slopes in the winter months. My personal life is full of adventure, movement, and plenty of learning. Whether I’m in the kitchen, exploring new destinations, or in the workplace, I try to bring the same energy: stay curious, stay grounded, and always lift others up along the way.
I have to say, I feel so lucky to be where I am. My journey into the lighting industry wasn’t planned, but it’s been exactly where I was meant to be. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most fulfilling destinations. Accidents can truly be your chance at purpose. With heart, hustle, and a little humor, anything is possible.
I’m beyond thankful to be asked to share my story here and to be part of an organization like WILD, where women in lighting get to connect, inspire, and grow. One of the greatest gifts this journey has given me, beyond the career, the lessons, and the impact, is the meaningful, lifelong friendships I’ve made along the way. These connections have been a constant source of strength, laughter, and inspiration, and they remind me every day why community matters.
Thanks for taking the time to read a little bit about my journey. I look forward to hearing all of yours! Here’s to cherishing the unexpected, to the friendships that carry us forward, and to lighting the way for others!
WILD is a volunteer run organization using the power of collected experience and action to drive change. See what positions are available to serve on the Board of Directors and what past Chair’s can share about their experience and time serving.
