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.
Member Feature: Andrea (Andi) Hunt is a Project Manager at JC Wright Lighting Sales in Spokane, Washington.
Andi is involved in our Spokane chapter. Take a look at what activity keeps her energy burning “AFTER HOURS“…
I am part of a professional belly dance troupe called Wild Alchemy. We dance “Fat Chance” style Belly dance. I also teach this style. I am also learning sword dancing and do some fire dancing and fire eating. I am a huge reader and I love to crochet.
Member Feature: Juliana Ejsmont (LC), is a lighting specialist with Leviton Lighting – Birchwood | Intense | Contech.
Juliana has been a member and involved in our Seattle and Chicago chapters. Take a look at what activity keeps Juliana focused “AFTER HOURS“…
Outside of my day-to-day career, I love incorporating lighting, architecture, and art into nearly everything I do. Photography has been a passion since I was young. I bought my first DSLR at 18, which sparked my interest in Adobe programs and digital art. Over the years I’ve explored so many forms of technological art just for fun, even autoCAD and AGi32. I also played in a concert band up until just a few years ago. I won’t reveal exactly what since guessing what people play is one of my favorite games. Concerts, museums, yoga, massages, cooking, fashion, antiques, flowers, nature, and just general exploring are all my kind of self care.
More recently, I’ve taken up stained glass, a craft I grew up watching my father do, and it’s been meaningful to carry his legacy forwardin both my professional and personal life. My mom would never call herself an artist, but my lifelong love of crafts definitely comes from her.
Growing up in a family business, lighting is heavily intertwined in my life. Despite having a degree in forensic psychology, I feel grateful every day for the path I’m on. Lighting truly touches everything I do.
Member Feature: Syllia Newstead (LC), is a freelance lighting designer with Live Nation Entertainment Inc.,.
Syllia is a new member and joined WILD at her first event during the WILD event at LEDucation in 2025. Take a look at what activity keeps Syllia rolling “AFTER HOURS“…
Syllia has always had an interest in rollerskating. She loved skating and skated with her niece and nephew when they were little. Rollerskating was a great way to express her self and also get some exercise in. It was where she could travel in time and not worry about the world. She also loves taking her beautiful orange skates on her vacations.
After seeing a flyer in town for Roller Derby, she was hooked. She knew it was a thing but it wasn’t real to her yet. Now Roller Derby is a very important part of her life. She has played as a jammer with four different leagues since 2017. Her home league is Free State Roller Derby in Rockville, MD where she was a captain for the Rock Villains during the 2023-2024 seasons. Her first bouts with Black Diaspora Roller Derby was at the Cornfed Tournament in Indiana, where the team won first place! Roller Derby has been able to bring her community and friendships. After a long day of work, it’s nice to not think about anything and just hit your buddies!
Syllia’s family is from Sierra Leone in West Africa. She loves her culture and wants more people to learn about Africa and Sierra Leone. She created a short film about Sierra Leone for its 62nd independence Day, highlighting its culture, music, people, and food.
Member Feature: Laura Green is the Director of Systems & Integration at Kinetic Lighting and the current chapter leader of WILD Los Angeles.
Take a look at what activity inspires and keeps Laura very busy “AFTER HOURS“…
I’ve been at Kinetic Lighting for over 9 years, and currently serve as the the Director of System Sales & Installations. As the chapter lead of WILD Los Angeles, I love connecting people and creating opportunities for others to grow their networks. I’m currently pursuing my MBA with a concentration in Leadership.
” After Hours” I enjoy archery, hiking, and camping with my family. We have a small farm “Green Roots Homestead” where we have a mini Jersey cow, goats, chickens, turkeys, honeybees, gardens, and even an emu—it’s never boring! I’m also a mom to two energetic boys, ages 3 and 5, so we’re outside a lot, exploring, playing, and taking care of the animals.
Life is definitely busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Member Feature: Minnie Kalla (LC), is a Lighting Designer Sales Specialist with Specification Lighting Sales, LLC in New Jersey. As a licensed Lighting Designer, Millie has served in a design capacity as an innovative Designer & a rooted Architect with an excellent ability to implement ideas & concepts. She is now currently serving in a new role of Sales Specialist.
Mille has been active in our WILD Philadelphia and NJ / NY chapters. Take a look at what activity inspires and re-invigorates Minnie “AFTER HOURS“…
After hours, I find joy in dancing and staying active through Zumba workouts. Growing up, my mom enrolled me in Shiamak Davar’s Performing Arts classes, a renowned program led by a world-famous choreographer from India. In addition to learning choreography, we were encouraged to perform on stage, which played a significant role in boosting my confidence. Those formative years shaped my love for dance and instilled a sense of self-assurance that I carry with me in all aspects of life.
Today, I continue to nurture this passion by attending Zumba classes. It’s more than just a workout—it’s a time for me to unwind and reconnect with myself. The combination of movement and music helps me de-stress, stay energized, and maintain a positive outlook. Dancing allows me to express myself freely and recharges both my body and mind, keeping me balanced and inspired.
Member Feature: REMY DANIEL, is a Lighting Designer with Newcomb & Boyd in Atlanta, Ga. With roots in fashion and textiles, Remy pivoted into lighting design in 2015, and since joining Newcomb & Boyd in 2022, she has become known for her thoughtful integration of design, engineering, and visual comfort .
Remy is a co-leader of our WILD Atlanta chapter and in her free time AFTER Hours she finds her solice and freedom in many different ways.
Take a look at what activity inspires and re-invigorates Remy “AFTER HOURS“…
When I am not working or spending time with my family and friends, I am usually engaged in some sort of educational advancement program. I find so much enjoyment in learning and almost as much in making connections with others along the way. I have created networks of friends in a variety of communities that have inspired and contributed to my growth and success. For this I am so grateful!
This year I have been able to re-engage with my in-flight training and ground study for the FAA exam which will put me one step closer to obtaining my pilot’s license. A path I have been on and off for almost 8 years now.
Flying has been a passion and hobby of mine. Something I enjoy sharing with my dad who is a Private Pilot and my teenage boys who have already shown the same interest I did at their age!
Altogether, the consistent thing I experience that provides the most joy with anything I study is the journey to achievement, and the people I meet along the way.
Remy combines technical expertise—including certification as a private pilot—with a passion for mentorship and advocacy. She is committed to uplifting women in lighting, promoting visual comfort, and supporting inclusive growth in the field—a true advocate and innovator in architectural lighting design.
Member Feature: RENÉE LESKOWAT, ASSOCIATE IALD, IES is a Senior Designer with hlstudios. Renee is an active member of our WILD charlotte chapter.and in her free time AFTER Hours she fuels her mind and her body.
Take a look at what activity inspires and re-invigorates Renee “AFTER HOURS“…
I read, a lot, (maybe too much); psychology, anthropology, management, interpersonal communication, mindfulness, romance.
I cook with friends and family, hang out at local breweries and coffee shops, hike a bit, do a lot of hot yoga, and I love a good project, whether that’s art, home improvements or learning to groom my doodle.
Neha Sivaprasad boasts a 24 year track record in architecture and construction, specializing in architectural lighting design for the past 2 decades. She is the founder of Sol Light Studio, based in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, which focuses on using light as a medium to forge emotional connections between spaces and the people who use them. With a background in art, dance, and training as an architect, Neha’s approach blends artistic flair with scientific precision, making her work not only aesthetically captivating but also thoughtfully engineered and practical. Neha is also an active member of our WILD San Francisco chapter.
Take a look at what activity inspires and re-invigorates Neha“AFTER HOURS“…
I have 2 ‘after work’ passions- Dance and Art
I am a dancer, practicing Kathak, a North Indian classical dance rooted in ancient storytelling and rhythm. Kathak evolved from Kathakars (“storytellers”) who conveyed epic tales through dance, music, and rhythm. Central to this form is the intricate rhythmic interplay, accompanied by the tabla (drum instrument), whose complex patterns challenge the dancer to navigate precise compositions of beats. The dancer enhances this rhythm through movement and the resonant sound of anklet bells (ghungroos) worn around their ankles.
I began learning Kathak at 25, and 18 years later, it remains a vital part of my life. I’m proud to be part of the Lavanya Dance Company, led by Kathak artist Labonee Mohanta, and to trace my training back to the school of Pandit Chitresh Das, who brought Kathak to the U.S. in the 1970s.
For me, Kathak is not just a dance—it is a challenge that brings immense joy. It pushes my limits physically, mentally, and emotionally, demanding complete surrender and self-expression. Performing feels transcendent; it requires one to be fully present, yet paradoxically, to lose oneself entirely.
Alongside dance, I explore the world of art, working primarily with pen and paper. My creations span realistic, whimsical, and abstract styles, but they all share a common language: lines. Lines allow me to channel emotions—be it joy, pain, sorrow, or grief—into tangible forms. Art is both my space to create and my space to process, a medium through which I navigate and make sense of life’s complexities.
