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.
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.
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′
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!
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!
