by: AIA New York
Women from racially and ethnically underrepresented groups who are AIA members and have at least five years of experience in architecture are invited to apply for the American Institute of Architects (AIA)’s Next to Lead initiative. The 2026 program will kick-off in September 2026 and conclude in June 2027.
To create an architecture profession that serves everyone, we must include everyone. That’s why AIA created Next to Lead—an association and professional leadership program that removes barriers to AIA volunteer leadership positions for racially and ethnically underrepresented women in architecture.
Next to Lead is the first program of its kind to support association leadership development for underrepresented women aspiring to become leaders within AIA. This program—which includes AIA New York alum Alison Lane, AIA, of AECOM—is part of AIA’s ongoing commitment to advancing racial equity within our organization, the architecture profession, and our communities.
Learn more about the Next to Lead program and application process here.
Applications are due by August 7, 2026.