Building AIA|DC Women in Architecture and Design (WIA) by learning through a Network of WIA Committees

Key Takeaways from Conversations with AIA WIA New York, AIA WIA Miami, and AIA WIA Northern Virginia

By Saakshi Terway, Assoc. AIA & Mika Narayansingh, AIA

In our first year, as the AIA|DC Women in Architecture and Design (WIA) Committee takes shape, emerging from the legacy of WIELD/AIA|DC Equity by WIELD Committee, we realized that rebranding alone could not define this new chapter. How we listen, who we learn from, and what we build together is what strengthens our foundation. With this in mind, we saw value in starting with conversations.

In our first quarter, we intentionally focused on connecting with other WIA committees across the country. These were open and candid conversations about what has worked, what has not, and what it actually takes to sustain a committee over time. Our goal was not to compare models, but to listen and learn from groups that have built strong, sustained communities, navigated transitions, and adapted to change while continuing to support women in our industry in meaningful ways.

What we found was clarity in our shared values. Three key takeaways in particular stood out and are now shaping how we imagine the future of our committee.

1. Structure and Leadership Shape Continuity

We were reminded that long-term sustainability begins with clarity.

Some committees operate with defined terms and layered leadership, while others are more flexible. Regardless of the model, one message remained consistent: strong committees do not just plan programs, they plan for leadership. As one speaker noted: 

“If you don’t build the next group while you are leading, it becomes really hard to step away.”

This prompted us to think carefully about how we define roles, responsibilities, and continuity within our own committee. It reinforced that leadership pipelines do not happen organically; they require intention. Creating clear entry points for involvement and supporting members as they grow into leadership roles will be critical to ensuring the committee continues to evolve and reflect the diversity of voices within our community. 

For AIA|DC WIA, this reinforces our commitment to building a committee that is not only active today but prepared for those who will carry it forward tomorrow

2. Intentional Programming Drives Sustainability

   
   

We also heard a strong emphasis on being deliberate about aligning programming with purpose. 

Several committees spoke about shifting from doing more to doing what matters. As one speaker shared, they regularly pause to ask: 

“Why are we doing this event, and who is it really for?” 

That question reframes programming as a strategic decision rather than a recurring obligation.

It is easy to fill a calendar. It is much harder to build a body of work that reflects a clear purpose. These conversations encouraged us to think about programming as a cohesive framework, where each initiative contributes to and builds upon a larger shared vision.

For AIA|DC WIA, this reinforces our commitment to approaching programming with greater clarity, aligning intention with impact, and ensuring that each initiative brings meaningful value to our members at every stage of their careers. 

3. Accessibility Drives Engagement and Belonging

We also learned that sustained engagement is closely tied to how accessible and inclusive programs are designed. 

Accessibility goes beyond cost. It includes creating a range of opportunities that meet people where they are, across different career stages, schedules, and levels of comfort with participation. 

Several committees spoke about intentionally offering low-cost or free events and diversifying formats. From large gatherings to smaller, informal touchpoints, these approaches create multiple pathways for connection. Low-pressure formats such as casual discussions or book chats often serve as critical entry points, allowing members to show up authentically and return with confidence.

There was also a conscious effort to avoid over-reliance on the same sponsors or formats, and instead build programming that is both sustainable and adaptable. In some cases, this meant collaborating with other committees to expand reach while sharing resources.

What stood out to us was that engagement cannot be measured by attendance alone. It is about creating spaces where people feel comfortable showing up, participating, and returning. 

For AIA|DC WIA, this reinforces our commitment to designing programs that are accessible and inclusive, creating multiple pathways for engagement while fostering a strong sense of belonging across our community. 

Planning for 2026

These conversations have already had a meaningful impact on how we envision the future of AIA|DC Women in Architecture and Design. We are grateful to the WIA leaders who shared their time, insight, and generosity.

We learned that strong committees are built on listening, sustained by intention, and strengthened through community. Our goal is to create a space that not only supports our members but also reflects the values and aspirations of the community we serve.

Together, we are building the future of AIA|DC WIA. We invite you to shape it with us.