ALA Women in Lighting Expands Mentorship Program

ALA’s Women in Lighting (WIL) group has expanded its popular Mentorship Program for 2024 to have a group format versus the one-on-one private mentorship sessions. The change allows more participants to benefit from large group discussions, allowing for a broader exchange of ideas and greater sharing of experiences. 

Individual roses were presented to attendees at the WIL event, hosted by Eurofase at Lightovation. 
According to mentorship committee member Ashlen Haslam of Kuzco Lighting, “The roses were given to promote the idea behind the new Women in Lighting Mentorship Groups. This year, we are trying something new and arranging the mentorship groups in a way where mentors and mentees can grow together and discuss any roses (positives) and thorns (issues, struggles) of our industry with their group monthly. I am so excited for this new format, because I think it will help those who might be nervous to do one-on-one meetings with a mentor, plus it will help them feel more comfortable and allow them to meet more industry peers.” 

The program – which will run from February through November – is comprised of several large groups, with each group guided by a Women in Lighting mentorship committee member. This expanded format allows participants to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss issues and ideas. The goal is to collectively share participants’ knowledge, expertise, and best practices so that all can grow and succeed in their careers.

During Lightovation, Eurofase hosted the immensely popular Women in Lighting event, which focused on the Dallas-based charitable organization Dress for Success. Executive Director of the Dallas chapter Karen (KJ) Johnson spoke to the crowd about how Dress for Success® helps disadvantaged women prepare to enter the workforce with career counseling, interview practice, resume services, and job referrals, plus supplies them with a professional wardrobe to wear on interviews to boost their confidence. 

All proceeds of the sale of the ALA Women in Lighting pins at Lightovation directly benefitted Dress for Success in Dallas. During the WIL event, $2,570 was raised and will be donated to Dress for Success on behalf of the ALA Women in Lighting group.