On March 12, in celebration of Women’s History Month, SOM’s Women’s Initiative joined the Council on Vertical Urbanism’s (CVU) Women Rising Committee to host the latest installment of the Women Rising Office Tour Series in our Chicago studio. The evening brought together students and professionals from across architecture, engineering, and design for an office tour, panel discussion, and reception centered on connection, mentorship, and exchange.

Spanning intermediate architects to senior associate principals, panelists Sydney Brown, Maya Chandler, Jessica Duschean, Marti Gottsch, Tanvi Parikh, and Marzia Sedino reflected on both personal and professional experiences in the field. Some shared candid stories about growth, leadership, and navigating the profession, while others spoke through the lens of project work and practice. The event created space for emerging and established professionals alike to share experiences, build relationships across firms and disciplines, and celebrate the women shaping the future of the industry.