Women’s History Month is a time to intentionally shine a light on the incredible women who contribute to the success of our work and team at Wold Architects and Engineers, whether they are leading and mentoring colleagues or serving clients and delivering impactful results. This month, we are featuring women across the company who have made a difference in the lives of those around them. These women share personal stories about who has inspired them and how they strive to advocate for others.
In our second installment of the series, Education Leader Artemis Ettsen discusses how her mom taught her the power of conviction, the biggest challenge (and thus greatest opportunity) for women in the field, and how companies can support and advance the success of women. Artemis is a project manager with experience in master planning, BEST grant writing, building design, implementation, and construction administration.
An industry-wide challenge for women in architecture is the lack of women in visible leadership positions. Women and men enter architecture at about the same percentages. However, the percentage of licensed female architects hovers just under 20%. Often, women architects in leadership roles are put in positions to act as the sole cheerleaders for actions that motivate women to enter the field or policies that encourage retention. Women in these positions should also use their influence and energy to remind leadership at large that attracting and keeping talent is important for the industry and the responsibility should not be held by a small percentage of specific representatives.
I grew up in a nontraditional household where my mother worked as a lawyer, and my father stayed at home and cared for me and my sister. My family’s structure demonstrated an alternative for the roles of women (and men) than what was modeled by most of the world. My mother showed us how to be passionate and dedicated to a job that had a visible and positive impact on the people she served. She taught me the power of conviction. Throughout my career, she has provided me with insight and support informed by her experiences as a woman leader in a male dominated profession.
If women choose to start families, they tend to occupy the caregiving role. Workplace policies that recognize this and allow for flexibility, create opportunities for advancement inside of typical work hours, and designate space inside the workplace for activities such as nursing/pumping can help women advance in their careers and fulfill their duties outside of work.
Show up. Be visible. Make yourself heard. Represent your perspective authentically.
