KALAMAZOO, MICH.—Landscape Forms, North America’s leading designer and manufacturer of high-design LED lighting, site furniture, structure, and accessories, announced it is now a gold-level sponsor of the Women in Lighting + Design (WILD) organization. WILD is a volunteer-run organization with approximately 1,500 members across 20 chapters in the U.S. and Canada. Its mission is to provide the lighting community an inclusive and open environment for professional and personal growth by offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.
President of WILD Kelly Roberts is Studio Director at WALD Studio (William Armstrong Lighting Design) in New York City. She has been associated with WILD for 10 years and has served as president since 2021. “WILD formed about 30 years ago. Women found strength in this community where they could grow as individuals and work collectively towards shaping the industry into one where women could thrive,” Roberts said. The Board of Directors serves as a guiding hand behind the organization’s larger program goals and hosts webinars, plans industry events and conferences, and manages funds to use for organizational activities.
“Having sponsorship support from Landscape Forms will allow us to further develop our programs, which we believe is the best way to combat issues such as pay inequity, lack of diversity, and sexual harassment experienced among women in lighting fields,” says Roberts. Currently, WILD offers four programs: the Parental Resource Group (PRG+); the Lamplighter Coalition, which addresses sexual harassment; DEIR (diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect) Committee; and a developing mentorship program.
WILD’s mission resonates with Angela Saladino, Landscape Forms’ Regional Sales Representative for the Southeast Region. “WILD gives women in the industry a voice and a strong community to share ideas, struggles, and encouragement,” Saladino says.
Landscape Forms Lighting President Jordan Agustin finds the cultural connection between Landscape Forms and WILD a reason for the sponsorship. “Landscape Forms seeks to advance and advocate for the involvement of many people and perspectives. Our student sponsorships, such as the Landscape Architect Foundation Ignite college scholarships for Black, Indigenous, and people of color and advancing women in design and lighting fields, are important. These sponsorships are tied to the internal and external DEI initiatives Landscape Forms feels strongly about. Women in Lighting + Design amplifies an important voice in our industry, and we are pleased to support its efforts.”
