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.
Nominations are open August 17th – September 17th
Continue reading Nominate Leaders for WILD: Positions to Open in August!
Read more: Trusting the Path…A Second Act, Illuminated
by Kaylene Campbell, Senior Associate , DLR Group | WILD President, Portland Chapter
My path into the lighting industry was gradual, until it became my Plan A, B, and C. As a young adult, I chose tax accounting as my career, and while it served me and my family well for over 20 years, I eventually realized that creativity had to define my second half of life. So at 38, as a single mom of three young kids, I moved to Portland, Oregon, and went back to school for an interiors degree.
Because it took me eight years to finish, I had plenty of time to consider where my career might lead. Then one day, leaving the grocery store, my youngest daughter said, “Mom! Did you see what color they lit the meat with?” I stood there dumbfounded, realizing that in every design studio, I always began by imagining the lighting. Even my kids knew before I fully did, that lighting was my path.
I stood there dumbfounded, realizing that in every design studio, I always began by imagining the lighting. Even my kids knew before I fully did, that lighting was my path.
Kaylene Campbell
When I graduated ten years ago, I spent several formative years at a local MEP firm, where I built my foundation in lighting design. It was an ideal beginning because I had zero electrical experience, but I was surrounded by patient, thorough engineers and colleagues willing to teach me. At one point, I didn’t even realize “grounding” meant something literal in the ground.
With three daughters and many close female friendships, my path to WILD felt equally natural. Supporting, mentoring, and showing up for women has always been central to who I am. I believe women often need to build our own table in the workplace, and then invite others to join, expand it, and create spaces of their own. Waiting for corporate structures alone to champion women in meaningful, compassionate ways has too often felt like a fool’s errand, so creating support and opportunity wherever I can simply makes sense.
Supporting, mentoring, and showing up for women has always been central to who I am. I believe women often need to build our own table in the workplace, and then invite others to join, expand it, and create spaces of their own.
Kaylene Campbell
The older I get, the more I value encouraging younger professionals to find their passion, understanding that passion can evolve over time. I care deeply about helping people listen to themselves, trust their instincts, and have the courage to pursue the life and work they truly want.
Do you split your time between cities, travel frequently, or work bi-coastally?
WILD members can be affiliated with multiple chapters and join additional chapter mailing lists to stay connected to events, networking opportunities, and programming in the regions most relevant to them.
Best of all — your membership cost remains the same regardless of how many chapters you participate in.
Whether you’re commuting between coasts, traveling for projects, or simply expanding your professional network, WILD makes it easy to stay engaged wherever you are.
To add additional chapter affiliations or mailing lists, simply complete the WILD Newsletter Sign Up Form here…
Be sure to join our NEW Community on What’s App to connect with other WILD members that will be attending industry events and trade shows.
WILD Connections Community on What’s App
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.
Congratulations to the following Scholarship Recipients! Please take time to say hello to them at their respective events they are attending under the WILD spark scholarship.
Thank you so much for this incredible news! I am truly honored to be selected for the WILD Spark Scholarship and so grateful for the opportunity to attend IES26 in Denver. It means so much to have your support for my professional development within the lighting and design community.
I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity and look forward to learning, connecting with other professionals, and making the most of this experience. Thank you again for this honor and for all that WILD does to support young women like me.
Olivia Hayes
Thank you so much for the exciting news! I’m really honored to be selected for the WILD Spark Scholarship and truly appreciate your support.
This opportunity means a lot to me, and I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, grow, and stay engaged with the lighting and design community.
Thanks again for everything, I’m so grateful!
Best,
Sarah Chaplick
What is a Spark?
A Spark can be described as a deep inner enthusiasm for something, driving creativity and a willingness to fully engage.
The WILD Spark Scholarship
Description:
The WILD Spark Scholarship is a scholarship award for WILD members at the Student and Emerging Professional tier of membership. The award is intended to further professional development and to promote the impact that the awarded individual has within the WILD community.
Through a blind review process, awardees will be chosen by a liaison committee based on their applications and commitment to WILD’s mission for equity, dignity and autonomy for all members of the lighting industry.
Scholarship Award:
Awardees of the WILD Spark Scholarship will receive a fully funded scholarship to a qualifying lighting conference/event or educational opportunity of their choosing. See below for qualifying event.
Scholarship Amount:
Varies by qualifying event.
Qualifying Individuals:
Must be a Student or Emerging Professional member of WILD. If you are not currently a member, apply today to qualify.
Qualifying Events:
| June 8-10 | NeoCon (Illuminate Exhibit) – Chicago, IL https://neocon.com/ |
| June 10-13 | AIA Conference – San Deigo, CA https://conferenceonarchitecture.com/ |
| August 13-15 | IES 26 – Denver, CO https://ies.org/events/ies26/ |
| September 15-16 | ArchLIGHT Summit – Dallas, TX https://archlightsummit.com/ |
| September 27-29 | ALA Conference – Tucson, AZ https://alalighting.com/annual-ala-conference |
| October 15-17 | IALD Enlightened – Austin, TX https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/Events/Event%20Display.aspx?EventKey=EA26 |
| October 20-23 | Greenbuild Int’l Conference & Expo – New York, NY https://informaconnect.com/greenbuild/ |
| November 8-11 | IES Street & Area Conference – Pheonix, AZ https://ies.org/events/salc2026/ |
| November 18-19 | Canada Light Expo – Toronto, CAN https://canadalightexpo.com/ |
*If there are other events not listed that you are interested in, please list the event in your application.
**Awardees will be required to work 1 hour at a WILD booth of the qualifying event.
What is WILD’s mission?
Our mission is to provide the lighting industry an inclusive and open environment to engage in conversations and inspire action. We are committed to empowering our members by increasing representation, amplifying their voices, and providing a safe and supportive network for personal and professional growth through connection, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing. Our purpose is to advocate for equity, dignity, and autonomy for women and the benefits of a gender-balanced industry. We welcome all women in lighting and our allies to be part of our community. Together, we are WILD.
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.
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!
days
hours minutes seconds
until
T-Shirt Designs
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
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.
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,
