AIA Dallas is excited to host the 9th Annual EMPOWERING Conference on Friday, August 22, 2025. This full day conference is a dynamic collaboration between our Women in Architecture, Latinos in Architecture, and Emerging Professionals networks. Guided by our mission to transform the world around us, this conference is dedicated to equipping attendees with essential tools and knowledge to drive positive change through Design, Practice, and Leadership. We invite you to engage with our outstanding lineup of speakers, each a trailblazer making a meaningful impact in our communities.
Early Bird Registration is now open for EMPOWERING 2025!
Featured Speakers
Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, HASLA
2023 AIA Gold Medal Recipient
Cathy Hutchison, CPSM
Associate Vice President, Salas O’Brien
Stephanie Behring, AIA
Co-Founder, Re:Studio Architecture
Dr Upali Nanda
EVP & Global Sector Director for Innovation, HKS, Inc.
Xavier Chérrez Bermejo
Co-Counder, Chérrez y Cantera Architectural Studio
About The Conference
The EMPOWERING conference began in 2017 and tapped into the need for mentorship and support for women in our profession – especially associate members. Under the leadership of the Women in Architecture network, the conference quickly expanded from a half day conference to a full day conference and has served over 1,000 participants to date.
In 2021, the conference broadened its scope to welcome the Emerging Professionals and Latinos in Architecture networks, furthering its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and representative architectural community. The conference provides a platform to support and uplift underrepresented voices within our membership.
Proceeds of this conference go towards each network’s scholarships and professional development grants, distributed by the Architecture and Design Foundation. Since 2017, the event has contributed $49,200.00 toward the Foundation’s scholarship, fellowships, and grants. These awards make college and careers in architecture more accessible and bring diversity and equity to our related professions.
Scholarship funds benefiting from this event include:
- Latinos in Architecture Scholarship
- Emerging Professionals: Path to Licensure Scholarship
- Women in Architecture Professionals Development Fund
EMPOWERING Conference Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Please contact Cindy Stanley at cstanley@aiadallas.org to secure your sponsorship today.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
