One Membership. Multiple Chapters

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

Do you split your time between cities, travel frequently, or work bi-coastally?

WILD members can be affiliated with multiple chapters and join additional chapter mailing lists to stay connected to events, networking opportunities, and programming in the regions most relevant to them.

Best of all — your membership cost remains the same regardless of how many chapters you participate in.

Whether you’re commuting between coasts, traveling for projects, or simply expanding your professional network, WILD makes it easy to stay engaged wherever you are.

To add additional chapter affiliations or mailing lists, simply complete the WILD Newsletter Sign Up Form here…

WILD Newsletter Sign Up

Be sure to join our NEW Community on What’s App to connect with other WILD members that will be attending industry events and trade shows.

WILD Connections Community on What’s App

  • WILD Connections at NeoCon 2026
  • WILD Connections at IES Annual Conference 2026
  • WILD Connections at IALD Enlighten
WILD Connections at NeoCon – QR code

Join the Group

WILD Connections at IES Annual Conference

The WILD Spark Scholarship Award Recipients

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

The following applicants have been awarded the first iteration of the WILD Spark Scholarship will receive a fully funded scholarship to a qualifying lighting conference/event or educational opportunity of their choosing.

Congratulations to the following Scholarship Recipients! Please take time to say hello to them at their respective events they are attending under the WILD spark scholarship.

Thank you so much for this incredible news! I am truly honored to be selected for the WILD Spark Scholarship and so grateful for the opportunity to attend IES26 in Denver. It means so much to have your support for my professional development within the lighting and design community.

I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity and look forward to learning, connecting with other professionals, and making the most of this experience. Thank you again for this honor and for all that WILD does to support young women like me.

Olivia Hayes

Thank you so much for the exciting news! I’m really honored to be selected for the WILD Spark Scholarship and truly appreciate your support.

This opportunity means a lot to me, and I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, grow, and stay engaged with the lighting and design community.

Thanks again for everything, I’m so grateful!

Best,
Sarah Chaplick

What is a Spark?
A Spark can be described as a deep inner enthusiasm for something, driving creativity and a willingness to fully engage.

The WILD Spark Scholarship

Description:

The WILD Spark Scholarship is a scholarship award for WILD members at the Student and Emerging Professional tier of membership. The award is intended to further professional development and to promote the impact that the awarded individual has within the WILD community.

Through a blind review process, awardees will be chosen by a liaison committee based on their applications and commitment to WILD’s mission for equity, dignity and autonomy for all members of the lighting industry.

Scholarship Award:

Awardees of the WILD Spark Scholarship will receive a fully funded scholarship to a qualifying lighting conference/event or educational opportunity of their choosing. See below for qualifying event.

Scholarship Amount:

Varies by qualifying event.

Qualifying Individuals:

Must be a Student or Emerging Professional member of WILD. If you are not currently a member, apply today to qualify.

Qualifying Events:

June 8-10NeoCon (Illuminate Exhibit) – Chicago, IL https://neocon.com/  
June 10-13AIA Conference – San Deigo, CA https://conferenceonarchitecture.com/  
August 13-15IES 26 – Denver, CO https://ies.org/events/ies26/  
September 15-16ArchLIGHT Summit – Dallas, TX https://archlightsummit.com/  
September 27-29ALA Conference – Tucson, AZ https://alalighting.com/annual-ala-conference  
October 15-17IALD Enlightened – Austin, TX https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/Events/Event%20Display.aspx?EventKey=EA26  
October 20-23Greenbuild Int’l Conference & Expo – New York, NY https://informaconnect.com/greenbuild/  
November 8-11IES Street & Area Conference – Pheonix, AZ https://ies.org/events/salc2026/  
November 18-19Canada Light Expo – Toronto, CAN https://canadalightexpo.com/  

*If there are other events not listed that you are interested in, please list the event in your application.

**Awardees will be required to work 1 hour at a WILD booth of the qualifying event.

What is WILD’s mission?
Our mission is to provide the lighting industry an inclusive and open environment to engage in conversations and inspire action. We are committed to empowering our members by increasing representation, amplifying their voices, and providing a safe and supportive network for personal and professional growth through connection, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing. Our purpose is to advocate for equity, dignity, and autonomy for women and the benefits of a gender-balanced industry. We welcome all women in lighting and our allies to be part of our community. Together, we are WILD.

WILD Events at LEDucation

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

WILD will once again be present and active at many events during LEDucation this April in New York City. Be sure to sign up to Volunteer or stop by our table during the show to say Hello. We’d love to see you.

Our Annual WILD Kick Off Event to LEDucation will be held this year at Parsons’ – The New School. It will directly follow the popular Edison Report’s – Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by designing lighting magazine and Edison Report.

  • Monday, April 13th – 6:30 PM – WILD Kick Off Event – The Soiree (Parsons)
  • Tuesday, April 14th – LEDucation Expo – Stop by and visit us at the WILD table
  • Wednesday, April 15th – “On Wednesday’s – We Wear Pink” – don your best pink attire in support of WILD and Women in Lighting and Design everywhere. Stop by our table to receive a special giveaway while supplies last.

MONDAY, APRIL 13TH – 6:30 pm

Join us for a WILD LEDucation event that’s more than just networking—it’s a celebration of legacy and the launchpad for tomorrow.

This year’s WILD kick-off event is all about bridging connections. Mingle with the next wave of industry leaders and have candid conversations with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award Winners. This is a rare opportunity to meet the pioneers who shaped our industry. It’s also a chance to engage with the innovators defining its future. Come prepared to build, learn, and have fun as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and light the way forward together.

Thank you to Edison Report and Coronet for their support of this event.

WILD MEMBERS – please look for your email with your Special PROMO CODE to join us.

Everyone is welcome – Please register at the link below:

REGISTER HERE

Thank you to our RAFFLE Sponsors for supporting WILD with these fabulous giveaways!

You can win these great prizes in 3 ways at WILD’s table at LEDucation:

  • Show your NEW digital membership card to enter (1 entry)
  • Sign up as a volunteer (1 entry)
  • Sign up to become a member that day (1 entry)
Thank you Aakash Tripath for securing these great items! and to @FontanaArte | @PabloDesigns | @Marset

WILD TABLE AT LEDUCATION EXPO – APRIL 14TH & 15TH

We need Volunteers to help greet attendees during the EXPO. Hour shifts on each day of the show. Help support our WILD appearance during LEDucation.

SIGN UP HERE…

We will once again be asking everyone to don their best PINK Attire on WEDNESDAY – in support of WILD!

The WILD Spark Scholarship

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

Awardees of the WILD Spark Scholarship will receive a fully funded scholarship to a qualifying lighting conference/event or educational opportunity of their choosing.

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DEADLINE to APPLY

Applications Due 4/3

The WILD Spark Scholarship

Description:

The WILD Spark Scholarship is a scholarship award for WILD members at the Student and Emerging Professional tier of membership. The award is intended to further professional development and to promote the impact that the awarded individual has within the WILD community.

Through a blind review process, awardees will be chosen by a liaison committee based on their applications and commitment to WILD’s mission for equity, dignity and autonomy for all members of the lighting industry.

Scholarship Award:

Awardees of the WILD Spark Scholarship will receive a fully funded scholarship to a qualifying lighting conference/event or educational opportunity of their choosing. See below for qualifying event.

Scholarship Amount:

Varies by qualifying event.

Qualifying Individuals:

Must be a Student or Emerging Professional member of WILD. If you are not currently a member, apply today to qualify.

Qualifying Events:

June 8-10NeoCon (Illuminate Exhibit) – Chicago, IL https://neocon.com/  
June 10-13AIA Conference – San Deigo, CA https://conferenceonarchitecture.com/  
August 13-15IES 26 – Denver, CO https://ies.org/events/ies26/  
September 15-16ArchLIGHT Summit – Dallas, TX https://archlightsummit.com/  
September 27-29ALA Conference – Tucson, AZ https://alalighting.com/annual-ala-conference  
October 15-17IALD Enlightened – Austin, TX https://iald.org/IALD/IALD/Events/Event%20Display.aspx?EventKey=EA26  
October 20-23Greenbuild Int’l Conference & Expo – New York, NY https://informaconnect.com/greenbuild/  
November 8-11IES Street & Area Conference – Pheonix, AZ https://ies.org/events/salc2026/  
November 18-19Canada Light Expo – Toronto, CAN https://canadalightexpo.com/  

*If there are other events not listed that you are interested in, please list the event in your application.

**Awardees will be required to work 1 hour at a WILD booth of the qualifying event.

SEE ‘APPLY NOW’ LINK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION

*Must be a Student or Emerging Professional Member of WILD to apply

APPLY NOW

What is a Spark?
A Spark can be described as a deep inner enthusiasm for something, driving creativity and a willingness to fully engage.

What is WILD’s mission?
Our mission is to provide the lighting industry an inclusive and open environment to engage in conversations and inspire action. We are committed to empowering our members by increasing representation, amplifying their voices, and providing a safe and supportive network for personal and professional growth through connection, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing. Our purpose is to advocate for equity, dignity, and autonomy for women and the benefits of a gender-balanced industry. We welcome all women in lighting and our allies to be part of our community. Together, we are WILD.

Program Update: Mentorship

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

The WILD Mentorship Committee is so excited to have reached our goal of 100 applicants.

We think we can accommodate everyone, so applicants should keep an eye out for communication about their assigned cohort and “Save the Date” for the Kickoff meetings which will be consist of two sessions that participants need only attend one). Participants will be able to choose from one at noon and the other at 3:00 pm ET.

BECOME A LIAISON! 

Mentorship is still seeking cohort liaisons for organizing and monitoring individual cohorts and reporting back to the Mentorship Committee. A relatively light life about 3 hrs per month.  If you’re available, please reach out to us mentorship@womeninlightinganddesign.org

Lighting Industry Chapters Host Holiday Gathering in Atlanta with Toy Drive for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Dec 10th

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) Southeast, Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Atlanta, and Women in Lighting + Design (WILD) Atlanta chapters are proud to announce the return of their annual Holiday Gathering, taking place on December 10, 2025, at Indie Studios in Atlanta.

This festive event brings together members from all three chapters and welcomes lighting professionals from across the commercial and architectural sectors to connect, celebrate, and learn more about each chapter’s mission.

Now in its second year, the event builds on the success of last year’s inaugural gathering, which drew strong attendance and community support. This year, attendees will enjoy an evening of networking, food, drinks, and entertainment, while engaging with peers and discovering opportunities for involvement in each organization. A highlight of the evening is the toy donation drive benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).

Demonstrating the lighting community’s generosity, last year’s toy drive filled an entire SUV with new donations – an outpouring of support that CHOA volunteers described as both overwhelming and deeply appreciated. This year, the chapters aim to double the impact. Guests are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped gifts for children and young adults from infancy through age 21 to help bring joy to patients and families during the holiday season.

Sponsors supporting this year’s event include:

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The Edison Report, Today In Lighting, Designing Lighting Magazine, Acuity Brands Lighting, Cooper Lighting, Bell & McCoy, ArchLIGHT Summit, Ardd + Winter, and TAG Lighting Brands.

Join the Atlanta lighting industry for a night of celebration, connection, and giving back to close out the year with purpose and community spirit.

About the Organizing Chapters:

IALD Southeast Chapter

The International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) Southeast Chapter represents professional lighting designers across the region, promoting excellence in lighting design and supporting education, advocacy, and community engagement.

IES Atlanta Section

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Atlanta Section is dedicated to advancing the art and science of lighting through education, standards development, and knowledge sharing among engineers, designers, and industry professionals.

WILD Atlanta Chapter

Women in Lighting + Design (WILD) Atlanta Chapter fosters a supportive and inclusive community for women and allies in the lighting industry, promoting mentorship, advocacy, and professional growth.

WILD joins Canada Light Expo as Association Partner

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design

🌟 Join WILD Canada (and our regional chapters) at the Canada Light Expo — Let’s Shine Together!

View the Full Event Agenda here…

Want to request a WILD VIP Code to attend both the CEU Sessions and EXPO at Canada Light Expo?

Simply send in this request:

Be sure to join WILD at “The Connections Section” during the show to learn more about how to get involved in the Canada Chapters with the leaders listed below.

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Canada Light Expo

WILD Mentorship Builds Momentum: Applications Open October 2025

Posted on by Women in Lighting + Design
Roadmap for WILD 2026 mentorship program timeline - graphic

Women in Lighting + Design (WILD) is lighting the way to a more balanced, equitable, and diverse industry with its groundbreaking Mentorship Program, returning in January 2026 for its second formal cohort. Applications open this October.

Launched as a pilot in June 2023, the program reimagines traditional mentorship by breaking away from one-to-one models. Instead, WILD connects members across career stages in peer-to-peer group cohorts that foster shared learning, mutual support, and professional growth. After a successful first formal launch in 2024, the program is scaling up once again to meet strong industry demand.

A New Model for Mentorship

The WILD Mentorship Program is not business-as-usual. The first round brought together 13 diverse cohorts of 4–6 members each, blending lighting designers, manufacturers, sales agents, educators, and more. This cross-pollination created space for both emerging professionals and industry veterans to step into the dual role of mentor and mentee, forming lasting professional and personal connections.

Why It Matters

Impact and Praise from Participants

Mentorship is a proven driver of advancement and retention—yet only 37% of women professionals report having a mentor. WILD is closing that gap, providing women in lighting and their allies with a community of opportunity and support. The program now stands alongside WILD’s other national initiatives—the DEIR Committee, Lamplighter Coalition, and Parent Resource Group—all of which collectively serve 26 chapters nationwide.

Demand for the inaugural round was overwhelming, with 80+ applications received in the open call for participation. Participants described the program as enriching and career-shaping:

“I am grateful to the women in my cohort.  They were easy to talk to, understanding, and most of all inspiring with their drive to continue to learn and collaborate!”  said Juliana Ruffalo, Specification Sales Agent, Denver, CO.

“It felt incredible to both give and receive insight,” said Mary Hollenbaugh, Sales Director, Acuity Brands.

“This program gave me the community I was looking for,” said Carrie Walker, lighting designer, Atlanta, GA.

The mentorship format’s mix of structure, flexibility, and inclusivity proved transformative for participants at every career stage.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming second cohort will continue WILD’s emphasis on collaboration, accountability, and inclusivity while expanding to new formats—such as smaller groups for students and emerging professionals, industry roundtables addressing today’s most pressing topics, and “fireside chats” getting to know leaders in the field.

Ultimately, the WILD Mentorship Program is about more than mentorship—it’s about building a stronger, more resilient industry by cultivating diverse talent and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Applications Open

October 15

For more information on the program and its success to date, check out the WILD Mentorship webpage or read the LD+A article by Mentorship Program Chairs Sara Schonour and Sarah Richter.