2024 WIA Mentoring Programme Celebration: Forging New Paths

We were delighted to sponsor and attend the "2024 WIA Mentoring Programme Celebration: Forging New Paths," marking the successful conclusion of this year's mentorship programme. Over the past six months, 175 mentees and 144 mentors participated in the programme, and the celebration was a fitting culmination of their efforts.

The event featured a panel of speakers who shared their insights and experiences from various areas of the architecture profession. Sabrina Klor, Jean Wang, Micela Carla Falcone, Laura Cushnie, Angharad Palmer and Niya Ann Sharon discussed their experiences as women in architecture, focusing on overcoming barriers to leadership, navigating international careers, and building successful practices. They emphasised the importance of mentorship, diversity, and work-life balance in achieving their goals.

We are grateful for the opportunity to support such an impactful programme and to see the impressive growth of its participants. Special thanks to the WIA Mentoring Team—Karen Fugle, Dr. Ana McMillin, Yamon Phu Kyaw, and programme lead Tania Ihlenfeld—for their commitment and hard work. Their efforts have been crucial in shaping the programme and fostering a supportive community among women architects.

Dr. Ana McMillin reflected on the programme’s significance, noting that it is reshaping how women navigate the architecture profession and helping them achieve their goals while building a strong network. Yamon Phu Kyaw also remarked on the inspiring growth and connections formed through the programme.

The 2024 WIA Mentoring Programme Celebration was a powerful reminder of the value of mentorship and the ongoing efforts to support and elevate women in architecture.