International Women’s Day (IWD) is a worldwide event celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Held annually on March 8th, IWD is one of the most important days of the year to:

• Celebrate women's achievements
• Educate and increase awareness for women's equality 
• Call for positive change in advancing women
• Lobby for accelerated gender parity
• Fundraise for female-focused charities  
  
  

Additionally, this month we shine a spotlight on the women of DLA+ who make a difference each day at our company and within the industry:

Jennifer King, NCIDQ, Senior Vice President – Interior Design/Principal and Interior Design Practice Leader

1. What does this year’s theme #AccelerateAction mean to you? "It's a call to implement meaningful changes when it comes to gender equality."

2. What female public figure, past or present, inspires you and why? "Coco Chanel because she is remembered as a feminist icon in fashion that helped change the way women were viewed in society. Her famous quotes are still used in modern day and provide inspiration to so many young women."

3. What or who inspires you in your career? "My recent inspiration is my daughter Everly. Her love of life, curiosity, and resilience inspires me to approach my career with the same passion and determination, always striving to learn and grow."

4. What message would you tell young women thinking about careers in the AEC industry?  "Never be afraid to ask questions and learn new things."

5. What is your favorite project or proudest achievement at DLA+? "2025 marks my 17th year at DLA+."

6. What are your hopes for the future of gender diversity within the workplace? "I hope for a future where my daughter grows up in a world that allows her to pursue her dreams without limitations or biases."

Michele Kunkel,  Architectural Designer

1. What does this year’s theme #AccelerateAction mean to you?  "That we need to take charge and work harder for change and equality for all."

2. What female public figure, past or present, inspires you and why?  "Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She fought to break barriers that people are still trying to bring back today. She didn't take no for an answer and pushed for what was right. Her strength and passion inspires me."

3. What is your proudest achievement at DLA+?  "I'm currently working on the Warrington Rec Center and I see how important the space is to the community. I want this building to shine and bring in more people so it can be a positive, learning space for the area."

4. What or who inspires you in your career?  "Creating spaces that inspire and promote healing. I want the buildings I design to be an important part of the community it is in." 

5. What are your hopes for the future of gender diversity within the workplace? "That this becomes a topic of the past and everyone is treated equal and fair."

Alexandra Garcia,  Architectural Designer

1. What does this year’s theme #AccelerateAction mean to you? "To me, this year's theme explains how important it is to keep progressing all of the hard work that has been done to advocate for women in the workplace. It is important to realize that there is always more work that can be done in the realm of gender diversity."

2. What advice would you give to women in the AEC field or those who are considering a career in the industry? "My advice would be that although it is sometimes challenging, this field is extremely rewarding. Being able to see your own visions come to life is why I love this profession so much."

3. What are your hopes for the future of gender diversity within the workplace? "My hopes for gender diversity in the workplace is that people remain eager to stay educated on the subject, accept others, and promote positive change."

4. What is your proudest achievement at DLA+? "My proudest achievement at DLA+ so far was creating the submission for Project Cares, that won us the AIA Pittsburgh Social Impact in Design Award this past Fall."

Amelia Vuick,  Interior Designer

1. What does this year’s theme #AccelerateAction mean to you? "As a new designer in the industry, this year's theme encourages me to make bigger steps in my career by seeking out opportunities for growth, gaining more experience, and building my confidence. I need to pursue new challenges and take action in creating a name for myself in the design field."

2. What or who inspires you in your career? "One of my former studio professors inspires me with her passion for using design to create change. Her kindness and determination, along with her journey from India to a successful career in the US, are qualities that I admire about her."

3. What advice would you give to women in the AEC field or those who are considering a career in the industry? "Have confidence in your abilities and be proud of your ideas/contributions. In a field where you might be one of few women, believing in yourself can make all the difference."

Dayna Wolfe,  Marketing Manager

1. What does this year’s theme #AccelerateAction mean to you? "#AccelerateAction is a call to move beyond conversations and drive meaningful change. It means fostering inclusive leadership, amplifying women's voices, and ensuring equitable opportunities."

2. What female public figure, past or present, inspires you and why? "Princess Diana – Her legacy of compassion, strength, and advocacy continues to inspire. She used her platform to challenge norms, uplift communities, and lead with authenticity."

3. What advice would you give to women in the AEC field or those who are considering a career in the industry? "Embrace your expertise, advocate for yourself, and seek out mentors who will support your growth. Confidence, curiosity, and actively sharing your ideas will help you navigate challenges and open doors to new opportunities." 

4. What are your hopes for the future of gender diversity within the workplace? "I hope to see a workplace that fosters equity, and the concept is not just encouraged but fully embedded in leadership, decision-making, and culture."

Laura Curry,  Interior Designer

1. What does this year’s theme #AccelerateAction mean to you? "To me, #AccelerateAction is a call to not only continue the work we’ve been doing, but to do it with even more intention, energy, and urgency. As an interior designer, I see it as a reminder to use my platform and skills to push for change—whether that’s advocating for sustainable design practices, promoting inclusivity in every space, or empowering women to take up more space in creative fields. It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels valued, seen, and heard, and then accelerating that process."

2. What advice would you give to women in the AEC field or those who are considering a career in the industry? "My advice to women in the AEC field—or those considering entering the industry—is to trust in your skills, stay curious, and never shy away from advocating for yourself. Own Your Expertise: You’ve worked hard to be where you are, and your knowledge and skills are just as important as anyone else's. Find a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with mentors and peers who can help guide and support you. Building relationships with other women in the AEC community can also provide a sense of solidarity and strength when you encounter obstacles. Work-Life Balance Is Key: One of the challenges in the AEC field is the demanding nature of the work, but it’s important to remember that your well-being matters. Find a balance that works for you, and don’t feel guilty for setting boundaries. Lastly, the industry is evolving, and women have the power to shape that evolution. The future of the AEC field needs more women, and you have the talent, passion, and determination to thrive in it."

3. What is your proudest achievement at DLA+? "My proudest achievement at DLA+ has definitely been earning my NCIDQ certification. It’s something I worked toward for years, balancing long hours, design projects, and studying for the exam. It’s also a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve learned through the years—both from mentors at DLA+ and from the clients I’ve had the privilege of working with. It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s a validation of all the hard work, passion, and dedication I’ve poured into this field. To finally achieve it felt like a huge milestone—not just in terms of my career, but as a personal accomplishment."

Laura DeLuca,  Associate | Project Architect

1. What does this year’s theme #AccelerateAction mean to you? "There has been so much progress made with women in the workplace, especially in the AEC industry, but there's still so much more work to do. We owe it to previous generations to confidently take the baton and continue the work."

2. What female public figure, past or present, inspires you and why? "Tina Fey - she is the pillar of two of my most valued traits: humor and intelligence. She is extremely successful in a male-dominated industry, and her work champions smart, complex female characters."

3. What advice would you give to women in the AEC field or those who are considering a career in the industry? "Don't be afraid to be yourself and let your personality show, it will go so far with connecting with colleagues and clients and make your work life much more comfortable."

4. What is your proudest achievement at DLA+? "The SSG Baseball Stadium in South Korea was a career-high project for me, both as an architect and a baseball fan. As the sports design lead, I’m incredibly proud of our team’s efforts in tackling such a challenging program that required extensive collaboration across many disciplines. I had the opportunity to work with some great people across the country and internationally, learned a lot, and had so much fun. I can't wait to experience Opening Day once construction is complete!"