In the fall of 2025, LS3P held an internal application process to select two team members to attend the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) as firm representatives, with all expenses covered. Applicants were asked to reflect on their leadership journeys, aspirations, and how the experience would inform their work and influence within LS3P. Based on the thoughtfulness and impact of their responses, Jackie Liang and Brittney Myers were selected to attend the 2025 Summit in Atlanta. The reflections that follow capture their individual takeaways from WLS and how the experience reinforced the importance of authenticity, representation, and collective leadership in shaping the future of our profession.  

Brittney Myers 
Attending the 2025 AIA Women’s Leadership Summit for the first time was an energizing experience. Being surrounded by so many accomplished women in architecture was inspiring and transformative. In a profession that has long been maledominated, stepping into a space filled with women leaders, innovators, and advocates underscored the importance of representation. Visibility is not symbolic. It actively expands the horizon of what feels possible for all of us. 

What resonated most throughout the Summit was the reminder that leadership is not a solitary pursuit. The conversations were grounded in authenticity, vulnerability, and shared purpose. Rather than focusing on project-specific challenges, the discussions centered on systemic issues: How do women navigate the profession? How do we support one another? How do we collectively redefine the future of practice? The message was clear: leadership grows through relationships and through the commitment to lift others as we advance. Speakers Vernice Armour, former U.S. Marine Corps Officer and Naval Aviator, and Evelyn Lee, AIA 2025 President, reinforced that strength and empathy are not opposites, and that emotion is not a weakness in leadership. It is a source of clarity, connection, and influence. 

Another theme that stood out was the role of technology in the evolution of our profession. With new tools emerging rapidly, the Summit emphasized that technology should enhance our purpose rather than redefine it. Our value as designers lies in defining intent, vision, and impact; technology simply refines how we deliver it. This reinforced my belief that LS3P’s greatest competitive advantage will continue to be our people: their insight, creativity, and willingness to adapt. 

Being part of a community of women who are challenging norms, expanding representation, and opening doors for the next generation reinforced the importance of engagement, mentorship, and visibility. I left the Summit deeply grateful to be part of a firm where women hold significant leadership roles and where LS3P actively elevates the success of all individuals. The commitment to break barriers and, in Armour’s words, to “lift as you climb,” is deeply woven into the culture we build together. 

I am excited about the work we produce as designers, but also how we continue to show up in the profession; to create a place where future architects can see themselves belonging.  

Jackie Liang 
I am honored to have been selected to attend AIA’s Women’s Leadership Summit in Atlanta as a representative of LS3P. The 2025 theme, Leading Through Uncertainty, set the stage for an inspiring and deeply meaningful experience. Being surrounded by a roomful of women openly discussing both the challenges they face in the profession and the victories they’ve achieved was incredibly empowering. Heightened emotions weren’t scorned but recognized as strengths. One of the most moving moments was hearing four generations of women from Leers Weinzapfel Associates in Boston (2007 AIA Firm of the Year) challenging the status quo in architecture. Each of the panelists shared personal insights on navigating career milestones, cultural shifts, motherhood, licensure, health and more.  

Breakout sessions on parental leave, salary negotiations, and closing the gender gap were especially impactful for me. They raised an important question: how can our industry do a better job at supporting employees by navigating these transitions? It takes a village to support new parents as well as aging parent caregivers. It’s important to be flexible, transparent and supportive. “Work-life balance” doesn’t fully capture the reality; work-life harmony or integration is a more accurate reflection of what many of us strive for.  

To ensure longterm progress in closing the gap, we must continue advocating for flexible schedules, remote or hybrid work options, and reduced business travel for the profession. According to NCARB’s data, women represent 42% of architecture graduates, 28% licensed architects, and only 12% of firm principals. It is imperative that we lead from where we are, or as keynote speaker Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour (Former U.S. Marine Corps Officer, first African-American female naval aviator, and first black female combat pilot in the Marine Corps) reminded us, we must “bloom where we’re planted.” Leadership is, at its core, proactive influence. 

I left the Summit feeling energized to lead with authenticity in our evolving profession. LS3P has made meaningful progress, with women now representing more than 30% of our principal leadership. We are moving the needle in the right direction, supporting women through mentorship, professional development, and advocating for an equitable, transparent and inclusive environment. I am optimistic for increased momentum for the next generation of female leaders.