2021 was a very successful year despite the challenges. WIA hosted many virtual events that expanded our outreach beyond our local community; we had a lecture from a supplier in Copenhagen (Louis Poulsen). In addition, we hosted a women-led project lecture with three key Florida chapters (Orlando, Miami & Tampa Bay). We also hosted a fund-raising movie event with profits contributing toward the annual Emerging Female Scholarship that help two eligible women secure licensure by covering the cost of an ARE exam, and a project exchange discussion with different local women project architects.
After a year and a half of virtual events, we are excited to bring back in-person events with opportunities to re-connect beyond a screen. 2022 would be a Renaissance Period for WIA. We kicked off the year with an in-person event at the patio Ivanhoe Brewery. We had such a great turnout and collected many amazing event ideas to make this year even better than last. Our goal is to focus on community outreach, women empowerment, and supporting the next generation in our industry.
In order to achieve our goals, we will be collaborating with YAF (Young Architects Forum Orlando) for a portfolio/ resume review event. Hosting revenue generating event to support our Emerging Female Scholarships which cover the cost of two ARE Exam fees. One of our main events this year will be the Decades Panel for Women History Month in March where we will be focusing on achievements, goals, and challenges of professional women, not just in the architecture field but from adjacent industries as well. Other events, such as the Design Exchanges, will focus on local women in architecture sharing their knowledge and experiences providing insight for other women in our community who face similar challenges in the design field. We are very excited to move forward with this incredible energy and hope you are interested in joining us for the ride.
We are currently seeking Sponsors committed to WIA-O’s mission to provide support for the upcoming year. Please see the enclosed form for information on how you can become an Annual, Committee, Scholarship or Event Sponsor. We hope that you will consider helping us in our efforts to strengthen the design community of Orlando. I am available at crodriguez@dlrgroup.com should you have any additional questions