Spotlight on the Women of WJW (WOW)

Prepare to be wowed!

March is Women's History Month, and we want to celebrate women making history right now in their field! WJW's staff is 60% female and women are represented at every career level, from architectural designer to partner. For comparison, according to NCARB, only 27% of licensed architects are women. So today we're shining a spotlight on some of what the Women of WJW (WOW) have done over the past year!

First and foremost is fostering discussion. Michelle was recently a panelist for a Women in Construction event, Jane moderated a panel at the Affordable Housing Forum, and Maggie helped lead the first ever WJW panel on New Arrivals in Chicago: Social Services in Context. Diane served on the Illinois Housing Task Force, and Heidi joined the Illinois Housing Council board and served as a mentor through AIA Chicago's Diversity Scholarship program.

Next we have career accomplishments - Elizabeth completed Ladders to Leadership, Mary published a book, and Joi earned her architect's license! Lauren and Liezel took the lead on several of our new Ohio projects and Parahita celebrated the completion of the Buena Vista Townhomes renovations and the new Madison III PSH campus in Peoria (which earned NGBS Silver certification!). Speaking of careers, in the past year, WJW expanded our staff and welcomed in Tanushri and Mariah. Behind the scenes, Helen kept office operations running smoothly and coordinated many a lunch and learn.

Volunteering is a big part of WJW's organizational culture, and last year members of WOW participated in Women Build for the first time, and won a Rookie of the Year award! Another first-time program that we launched in-house was our Intro to Architecture summer workshop for teens. Liezel, Kolbi, Joi, and our summer intern, Jocelyn, were integral to creating and running this successful program! Joi also coordinates our triannual food pantry volunteer events at Marillac St. Vincent Family Services.

Lastly, Kolbi created the PARTI (Planning Architectural Recreational Team-Building Initiatives) Committee to organize WJW social events. She started a Cheer Peer program to celebrate staff and organized fun activities like the Office Olympics!

Every one of these women brings so much to our team and we thank them for all their efforts!