ZGF Partners with LeaderFlow to Accelerate Diverse Leadership
ZGF is committed to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) within our profession and through our work. In January 2023, we partnered with LeaderFlow as a Foundational Sponsor to help accelerate the pipeline to diverse leadership.
The AEC industry has made progress toward higher levels of diversity, equity, and inclusion, but there are still challenges with recruiting and retaining diverse talent. LeaderFlow addresses the opportunity gap in the career pipeline, especially for mid-career professionals of color, to access vital leadership development training.
“We’re participating in this program because we truly believe the profession needs diverse voices in leadership roles.”
– Mitra Memari, Partner, ZGF
Janiece Williams, executive director of LeaderFlow, was one of the original participants in the 2021 pilot program. Her passion for helping professionals of color navigate the architecture industry led her to co-launch LeaderFlow with John Gavan, CEO of KPFF, and empower others to invest time in their own growth and development.
The seven-month leadership development program focuses on personal growth, work-life integration, emotional intelligence, communication, project and practice leadership, and business management skills—at no cost to participants. Sessions are led by a combination of professional trainers, industry leaders of color, and other leaders who share in the mission and vision.
ZGF Partner Mitra Memari immediately connected with LeaderFlow when it launched in 2021 as a pilot program for SoCal NOMA. She advocated for ZGF to invest in the program’s continued growth in 2023. She also facilitated a Los Angeles session on how to uncover your personal leadership philosophy.
“Participating as a facilitator showed me the real impact this program has,” said Mitra. “Everyone benefits from leadership development, but this program is unique because it focuses on minorities and people of color, and it allows them to own their voice. In a profession where most people look different than them—whether as a woman or as a minority—that makes a difference.”
ZGF also had two graduates this year: Karen Chan, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, and Grace Cabrera, AIA, LEED AP BD+C.
Mitra Memari, ZGF partner, at the Los Angeles program wrap celebration.
For Karen, an associate principal in Los Angeles, the program was life changing, starting with a StrengthsFinder exercise during the first session.
“I not only learned about my strengths but how to use them as a tool to navigate through challenges and find solutions,” she said.
She also learned there are many ways to be a leader.
“Each of us has our own unique style. I’ve learned to engage team members differently based on their personality and situation, which has helped me make more meaningful connections.”
Karen Chan, bottom center, found allies within the Los Angeles 2023 cohort as they tread forward on their paths to leadership. (Photo courtesy of LeaderFlow)
Grace Cabrera, an architectural designer in Seattle, shares similar sentiments about the program.
“It has been a touching experience getting to know everyone and hear people’s stories about work and life—how they intertwine and the unexpected twists and turns they take,” she said. “We dedicate so much of our energy to addressing the needs of our clients and projects, leaving limited time and resources to nurture our own growth. The mentorship and connections fostered by this program between emerging professionals and industry leaders offers an invaluable and rare experience.”
Grace Cabrera, third from left, became fast friends with the Seattle 2023 cohort.
The hope is that LeaderFlow graduates will return as mentors and facilitators to bring their leadership lessons full circle.
Do you know someone who would benefit from this program? The application period for the 2024 LeaderFlow Development Program in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Houston is open December 13-January 26. The program begins in March 2024. Apply here.
8 Designers Discuss the Meaning of Community
