by Nathan Pope, AIA
The AIA Dallas Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) closed out yet another successful year with a graduation celebration that highlighted the energy, creativity, and leadership potential of the next generation of architectural leaders.
The evening began with a lively reception, giving participants, sponsors, mentors, and guests a chance to reconnect and reflect on a year filled with growth, discovery, and collaboration. The celebratory atmosphere provided the opportunity to honor the hard work of this year’s class while recognizing the meaningful connections forged throughout the long history of the program.
Following the reception, attendees gathered for a formal welcome by Mattia Flabiano, AIA Dallas President, who commended the participants for their dedication and their commitment to advancing leadership within the profession. Suzanne Smith, the class facilitator and coach, shared heartfelt reflections on the remarkable journey and growth the class had experienced together. Following her remarks, each graduate was honored with a certificate, marking the successful completion of their year-long commitment.
The centerpiece of the evening was the presentation of the ELP Class Projects, a hallmark of the program and a testament to the participants’ ability to think critically about leadership, architecture, and community. Five teams shared their final work, each tackling a unique topic of opportunity or celebration of achievement centered on the architectural profession. The projects reflected on connection of our community through interaction of our built environment and honoring the women who helped to influence our profession here in Dallas.
A special thanks goes to Precision Reprographics, the event sponsor who printed the class projects and helped ensure that each presentation was shared with clarity and impact. Their support underscored the collaborative spirit that makes ELP such a meaningful program year after year.
We congratulate the class of 2025 and we can’t wait to see the impact you will make as the next generation of leaders in Dallas and beyond.
Photography by Liane Swanson