Join the WLS founders in conversation. This session will explore the challenges and opportunities experienced at various career stages that brought us together to form the AIA Boston Women Principals Group. You'll learn how the power of this community led to the inaugural Women's Leadership Summit. You'll hear how conventional and unconventional strategies were utilized effectively to bring about meaningful and measurable change by building a new movement that continues to touch all regions of the country and span generations of leaders. And you'll discuss lessons learned that continue to lead to refinements and pivots, all with the goal of keeping WLS inclusive, timely, and meaningful. Come prepared to share your thoughts on how this movement can evolve and inspire design professionals of all backgrounds to foster support, mentorship, and pathways to grow careers with a focus on leadership and design. Be empowered as we discuss how each of us can (and must!) step up to ensure a pipeline of future women leaders. Course expires 10/22/2026

You cannot control what curve-balls are thrown your way (yes, including a global pandemic), but you can control how you respond. When faced with adversity, feeling lost or even paralyzed, is completely normal, but within life's setback lies a silver lining: an opportunity to lean into the most incredible comeback - and growth - you could have ever imagined. Learn how to work through the five stages of a setback, increase your productivity levels, nurture meaningful business relationships in a virtual world, and build a powerful professional brand based on a strong foundation, mission, and creative, empathetic leadership. Course expires 10/31/2026.

Women face a variety of challenges - and opportunities - as they navigate the waters of a career in the field of architecture. From work-life balance and gender-based assumptions to glass ceilings and even go-it-alone entrepreneurship, women often encounter obstacles to finding right-fit roles, upward mobility, and workplace fair-play. This is an unprecedented year with new challenges that are still being overcome and solutions still to be discovered. Join us for this candid and mindful discussion on the challenges and opportunities that women face working in the architecture industry today, as leaders share stories and identify solutions to the obstacles they have encountered this year. Course expires: 10/31/2026

Does that little voice inside you say - Be happy with what you have - don't get pushy! - Times are tough right now - I can't ask now... But why not? The fact is that WOMEN DON'T ASK and most bosses are not mind-readers. But they also don't want to lose you - particularly in these tought times. However, if you are not happy, you won't produce your best, so let's come clean and learn how to negotiate for everyone's benefit. Did you know 20% of adult women admit having never negotiated? Of course, that means that 80% have, but maybe you didn't get what you wanted. Women are known as strong collaborators, multi-taskers and relationship builders, which happen to be three essential skills needed to negotiate successfully. Multiple studies attribute this lack of negotiating to a lack of confidence and some would add risk-taking. Don't let fear of negotiating get you stuck! Join Elizabeth Suárez as she leads participants through her exclusive and effective Negotiation Unleashed System. This process will have you feeling prepared, confident, and excited to negotiate for everything you want - in business and in life. By the end of the session, you will feel more confident and embraced three essential tips that you can immediately implement to accomplish your goals! Course expires: 10/09/2026

Women in architecture, design, and the allied building industries are one of the most influential segments in the profession. Yet when looking at leadership roles in these industries, we still ask: Where are they?  Women’s Leadership Summit, founded by AIA, is a premier event that brings together the industry’s largest network of diverse women in architecture, design, and the allied building industries. It exists to support and empower women on their leadership journeys and break down the barriers that get in their way.  Focused on networking, leadership training, business development, gender equity, and personal empowerment, WLS helps women manifest the careers they want while making a difference in the world.   •    Share pathbreaking ideas to tackle challenges, uncover potential, and lead change. •    Celebrate women leaders at every career stage, empowering everyone to change the future.