WILD “AFTER HOURS” – Meet The Women of WILD… Cindy Foster-Warthen

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

Member Feature: 

Cindy Foster-Warthen is a friendly face in the world of lighting and design that is a hidden force behind the scenes supporting her clients with their marketing efforts! She has been in the lighting industry for over 30 years and serves as an independent marketing consultant She serves on the WILD board of directors as the National Marketing Chair and is continuing a second term as well as being an active member of the Atlanta Chapter. Take a look at what activity inspires and revigorates Cindy Foster-Warthen “AFTER HOURS“…

My hobby and other part time job is raising babies – the four legged kind. I’ve been an avid equestrian and dog breeder for 30+ years. I can barely remember when I didn’t have a horse or a litter of pups to care for. I find that raising both horses and dogs gives me an immense sense of pride and joy to see one of the babies that I have raised be a source of joy for others.

Raising horses and raising dogs, is a second job so to speak as it does take a lot of time and attention. However, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. Animals are kind souls, they love unconditionally, are extremely loyal and are great sound boards when you just want to get something off your chest. I’ve been raising Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Jack Russells, Mini and Toy Aussies and others for over 35 years.

Horses are very much like dogs, just in a bigger package. I take extreme pleasure in helping to bring a new life into the world, carrying for it over the years and then watching it succeed in the show pen either with me as a team or a new loving owner. I’ve been showing competively on a National Circuit for many years and have raised, bred and shown many generations of World Champions. There is pride in bringing such beautiful and talented horses into the world and I love having the opportunity to share the joy with others.

You can find lots of fun pictures of Cindy’s 4 Legged babies on her social channels. Fellow Equestrians – Follow Cindy’s stallion – The Grease Monkey on FB and IG at thegreasemonkeystallion. Fellow Dog Lovers – See Warthen’s4LeggedFriends on FB and IG.

WILD “AFTER HOURS” – Meet The Women of WILD… Rachel Bauer

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

Member Feature:

Rachel Bauer is a well known friendly face in the world of lighting and design! She has been with Illuminations, Inc. for 17 years and has served on the WILD board of directors for the past 2 years as outgoing WILD National Chapter Chair and is also an active member of the Philadelphia Chapter. Take a look at what activity inspires and revigorates Rachel “AFTER HOURS“…

My passion is rock climbing. It’s a fantastic way to blend physical exercise with mental focus. I climb primarily in a gym, but sometimes I’m lucky enough to get outside. In a way it provides therapy to shut my brain off, decompress and just focus on the climbing problem in front of me. An added benefit is you can’t be on your phone! You need your hands free to carry you up the wall! About a year ago I started coaching Kinder kids, ages 4 and 5. It’s incredibly rewarding to share their enthusiasm for the sport. I cheer them on, and they light up when they conquer a new route. They surprise me every week with their determination. Climb on!

Photos below are from the highest peak in Slovenia, Mt. Triglav. 9396′

Image gallery image
Image gallery image
Image gallery image

WILD “AFTER HOURS” – Meet The Women of WILD… Alyssa Barton

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

Member Feature:

Alyssa Barton during the day is a  Regional Sales Manager at Marset but where during her free time, she shares her enthusiasm and energy with her community. She is a member of the WILD Chicago Chapter and also loves spending her free time getting integrated and involved in her community. She has done everything from painting faces at pumpkin fest, helping staff a snail race, picking up trash in the neighborhood, reading to the blind, and helping to set up and run a re-distribution center called the Parlor.

I love spending my free time getting integrated into my community. I have found volunteering to be a great way to do so. I have done everything from painting faces at pumpkin fest, helping staff a snail race, picking up trash in the neighborhood, reading to the blind, and helping to set up and run a re-distribution center called the Parlor. I love meeting people and hearing their stories and also giving my free time purpose.

Here are some photos of me at the Parlor. We specifically call out to the community things that are in dire need based on what our partners are requesting from us. We take clothes, gender affirming products, feminine products, baby supplies, egg cartons and toilet paper rolls just to name a few. Without the help of the egg cartons that normally get thrown away, our pantry partner had to cease distributing eggs because they only received them in large quantities. The toilet paper rolls were used to plant seedlings of native plants throughout the community. The people are fun, the stakes are low and I love making an impact on my generous community. Join me if you ever feel so inclined!

WILD “AFTER HOURS” – Meet The Women of WILD… AJ Gorman

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

Member Feature:

AJ Gorman is a vibrant force in the world of lighting and design! After seven years as a lighting designer, she now serves as the Director of Business Operations at LightStanza, where she sparks creativity and innovation. As the Seattle Chapter Leader of WILD, AJ is dedicated to building a fun and supportive community for women & their allies in the industry. Her blend of expertise and enthusiasm makes her a standout in both her career and her community!

Outside of the lighting industry, AJ Gorman co-hosts “Cosmere Casual“ with her husband, a podcast designed for casual readers exploring Brandon Sanderson’s works and the expansive Cosmere universe. Each episode invites listeners to dive into Sanderson’s novels, highlighting themes, characters, and world-building in a fun and accessible way. Their lively discussions make the podcast an inviting entry point for newcomers, while still offering fresh insights for those familiar with his stories. Whether you’re checking out “Mistborn,” “The Stormlight Archive,” or other creations, “Cosmere Casual” enhances your appreciation for this beloved author!  

.https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/cosmerecasual

 Listen to this podcast on Spotify, Pocket Casts, OVercast, Apple, Audible, etc