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.
Want to be featured in what inspires you after hours? Please share with us!
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!
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!
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.
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.
Member Feature: BARBARA MARANHAO is an Eastern Regional Sales Manager at Feelux Lighting. She is an active member of the WILD New Jersey chapter. Originally from Brazil , she moved to the USA in 2016. Learning to navigate another culture and language helped her with flexibility and empathy.
Take a look at what activities keep her busy “AFTER HOURS“…
MADE is a craft fair I participate every year.
I always come with something different: photography, watercolor, collage.
Barbara is also very active in dancing and photography! Spreading light where ever she goes.
Want to be featured in what inspires you after hours? Please share with us!
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.
