LEADERSHIP FORUM

“At this point in my career, I need to build confidence as a professional. Coming to architecture later in life, I’ve worked in supporting roles across several firms, gaining broad experience but lacking the opportunity to lead a project. I have the ability and ambition to take on leadership, but I need scaffolding to reach the next level.”

-Ailene Quinlan

“Although I’m committed to being a strong mentor, I need to better understand myself to help these students more. Meeting with a small group of like-minded individuals focused on discovering passions, strengths, and leadership skills to pursue new goals would be invaluable at this point in my career. Through the Leadership Forum, I can gain clarity in my goals and aspirations and, in turn, empower the next generation to follow their passions in the profession.”

-Alex Cejka

“As a licensed architect of seven years, I believe participation in the AIA Triangle Leadership Forum is critical at this stage of my career. Over eight years at Little, I’ve grown from intern to project manager, aspiring to firm leadership and ownership. I believe a strong vision in service to clients and design success is key to achieving that goal.”

-Anne Lebo

“As a young architect, I seek meaningful ways to engage with my field both professionally and personally. Programs like this help refine my vision for the future of architecture while connecting me with like-minded individuals and strengthening my ability to influence projects, teams, and communities.”

-Jack Lynch

“After becoming a licensed architect in 2024, I see this as the perfect time to develop my leadership skills further. I’ve embraced leadership roles at work, such as serving as a Project Work-Cluster Lead and leading our Intern Program, where I guide and encourage the next generation of designers. I believe that effective teamwork, built on strong relationships, lead to greater success.”

– Joanna Greco

“As a former contractor, a specific contribution that I could make to the Leadership Forum would be to help my constituents understand architecture issues from a construction perspective. As a former manager, another contribution could be providing perspective of business skills such as active listening, human resource mgt, or budgeting. Finally, as someone who has already passed the ARE exams I feel I could be a role model and sounding board for those still working through the exams.”

-John Degele

“I can contribute to the 2025/26 class by offering unique perspectives based on my educational and professional background. I have learned from a diverse group of peers and mentors at small, medium, and large firms across the country and feel that I have a well-balanced view of the industry and how it interacts with society. I am also an active listener and supportive and respectful of those around me.”

– Lauren Bennett

“This opportunity is valuable to me as I look to advance in my career. It will give me the opportunity for outside leadership training and a chance to learn new skills. I think it is particularly important to form connections across the state with my peers who will also be leaders in North Carolina as we all progress in our careers. I can bring a perspective from the Western North Carolina Design community.”

-Maggie DeLap

“AIA Leadership Forum granted me a wonderful opportunity to grow in ways I didn’t even know existed! By working with peers around the same level in their careers, you can troubleshoot problem areas, plan your future goals for growth, learn about yourself and how to interact with others, and overall be educated on how to constantly progress in your leadership skills (because they never stop growing)! I am so grateful I had the opportunity to participate and have formed some lifelong relationships from it that I will have forever!”

“Leadership Forum was valuable to me because it put me in a room with like-minded professionals to discuss and learn what it meant to be not only a good leader but to understand that leadership comes in many different forms and different paths to get there.

 Leadership Forum allowed me to be open and honest about career expectations and leadership goals and discuss these with other professionals interested in growing in their careers as well. Throughout the program, it taught me how to be a better leader by learning more about my strengths, what areas to work on, and identifying opportunities in the industry through growing connections and relationships. The skills I learned have benefited me not only in the office environment but in the community as well.”

“The AIA Leadership program was a great opportunity that I am so glad I was able to be a part of. The program is set up to expand your network and examine your personal path forward in your career. The group of participants was a great mix of professionals with a variety of backgrounds. After a few meetings, the group turned into close friends whom I was able to speak with about different firms, past experiences, and upcoming career decisions.

 As a group, we planned and lead meetings with direct access to firm principles, city officials, and established professionals. Hearing the insight from these leaders was invaluable and provided a foundation for my personal outlook on leadership and career advancement.

 With the AIA Leadership Program, I received insight into how leaders achieved and maintained their success and were able to directly apply that to my own career. I would highly recommend the program to anyone who wants to examine their career, plan goals for the future, and learn about leadership from industry experts.”

“I am so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to participate in the AIA Triangle Leadership Forum. Not only did I learn a lot from the experience, but I also gained more confidence in my leadership skills by learning more about my strengths and how I can use them to be a better leader. I gained new insight and inspiration from community leaders and made new connections in the community that will last a lifetime. I am so proud of my cohort for what we accomplished as a team!”

“Leadership Forum is a great place to explore your leadership skills independent from workplace pressures and provides the necessary tools to more effectively lead in the profession and community. Plus, it’s fun!”

“Leadership Forum provided invaluable fellowship with peers in the profession and opportunities to stretch my leadership abilities outside of my everyday work. As a participant, I appreciated the proactive nature of the program – it encourages participants to think intentionally about how they want to grow in their careers and provides the resources and opportunities to do so. Plus, you gain lasting friendships that last through your career!”

“I feel so fortunate that I have had wonderful mentors throughout my career. Therefore, I believe that it is vitally important to give back and share the knowledge that I have gained over the years. The AIAT Leadership Forum is a great way to share stories and provide encouragement to our future leaders.”

“In past years, what I have enjoyed most about hosting the AIA Triangle Leadership Forum is being able to share the story of the path I’ve taken in the practice and having an intimate discussion with everyone about theirs and the goals they have for the future. I’m always inspired by the group and love the connections made as a result of our gathering.”

“I value the leadership forum because it connects young and emerging professionals with our firm. We are always looking for talent that is not only good at what they do but engaged in their community and profession in other ways.  The Leadership Forum provides opportunities and learning experiences that enrich our potential employees. As a past panelist, it has given me the opportunity to meet a younger generation of architects that I would not have otherwise had the chance to meet!”

WANT MORE?

Check out the amazing opportunities of the cohorts who came before.