The Future of the Profession

As we approach the Celebration of the Profession event this month, I’m pausing to reflect on how we as an industry can better support the future generations of architects, by harnessing our collective energy to make this a more equitable profession. I wanted to use this NOTES article to draw your attention to the important work that another industry organization (Zweig Group) is doing through the ElevateHER program. As a leading research and advisory group for AEC firms, Zweig went a step further and launched ElevateHER in 2019 to help recruit, retain, and engage the best minds in the industry. While the ‘ElevateHER’ name may be a nod to female empowerment, the program is aimed at improving broader diversity and inclusion amongst all underrepresented groups in the AEC industry. Each year, an ElevateHER Cohort is selected to develop innovative initiatives around topics of recruitment and retention, and I was fortunate enough to be part of the 2024 Cohort. I wanted to share a little about my experience here, to encourage others to think about participating in future cohorts.

The program kicks off with an ElevateHER symposium and retreat in the spring, with several workshops intended to identify common areas of interest amongst cohort members. The cohort then splits into smaller groups to develop specific initiatives that they are passionate about, continuously motivated by monthly educational sessions that touch on a variety of EDI-related topics.  Ultimately, the completed group initiatives are presented on the national stage at the Zweig ElevateAEC conference in the fall, to reach a broader audience and encourage industry-wide implementation.

My group’s project (RetainHER) was inspired by my own challenges juggling motherhood and a busy career. In looking at the overlap between professional career stages and personal life stages, our deliverable aims to provide inspiration for various ways that employers can better support their employees during each unique season. The goal is to help employers improve employee retention throughout the full “Hire to Retire” career cycle. (The photo is of the RetainHER group at the ElevateHER Kickoff Retreat, March 2024.)

I know there are a number of inspiring organizations out there that are doing important work to benefit the future of our profession, and I wanted to add ElevateHER to that list as you’re considering where to spend your finite time and energy. If you’re interested in participating in a future cohort, check it out and let me know if you’d like to hear more about my experience!

Caitlin Stevenson, AIA, Assoc. DBIA, EDAC

2024-2025 Board Director | AIA Central ValleySr. Associate | Project Director, Sacramento Studio Leader | Taylor Design