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.
Patty Price began her journey in the lighting industry in 2010 at Arteriors Home, where she served as EVP of Sales for eight years. She then joined the Dallas Market Center as VP of Leasing for the Lighting Industry, a role that allows her to collaborate with numerous lighting manufacturers and support both Lightovation and the ArchLIGHT Summit. Patty is also an active member of WITHIT, the Women’s Leadership Development Network, ALA Women in Lighting, and WILD.
Take a look at what activity inspires and re-invigorates Patty “AFTER HOURS“…
One activity that revitalizes and energizes Patty is boating on lakes and water skiing. She has been skiing since she was a little girl, starting on two skis and eventually developing a passion for slalom skiing. This full-body workout energizes her, providing a sense of calm and helping her forget daily worries. Many people find water skiing to be as relaxing and uplifting as meditation.
Kassidy Oswald is not only known in Atlanta for her great support of the design community as a project management / customer support specialist at Ardd + Winter, but she might be a familiar face if you love NFL football.
Take a look at what activity inspires and re-invigorates Kassidy “AFTER HOURS“…
Outside of project management/ customer support for Ardd + Winter, I am a Cheerleader for the Atlanta Falcons! I just finished up my fourth season and will be auditioning for my fifth season in April. I have been a dancer my entire life, and was on the dance team for the University of Georgia, prior to joining the Falcons! Starting in May and going through January, I go straight from work to practice two nights a week and then have games usually on Sundays. Outside of practice and game day, I also attend various appearances in the ATL community to represent the Falcons organization and spread some cheer. I absolutely love being able to live out my dream on the sidelines while also working for a great company and furthering my career.
