Milestones in a career and life are a wonderful way of inspiring our emerging young leaders. Please share a proud or “magic moment” that shaped your journey?

During my time at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture, my co-op placements were a defining period in my career journey. I had the opportunity to work in a variety of cities, offices, and on projects of different sizes and scales. This hands-on exposure allowed me to explore many aspects of architecture and better understand what kind of work environment suited me best. One particularly impactful experience was working at a global architecture firm in New York City. My boss there was balancing a young family, and I admired how they managed the fast pace and large scale of projects with grace. I loved the energy of the office and the complexity of the work, and I realized I could picture myself thriving in that kind of environment one day. Today, I’m proud to say that I do.

Who were your major influencers/mentors (up to 2) and what were the key lessons you gained from them?

Bonny McLoud. One of my first and most important mentors was Bonny McLoud, the Managing Director who took a chance on me at Gensler. She’s a fierce champion for women in architecture and business, and a proud supporter of ULI and the Women’s Leadership Initiative. When I became a mother, Bonny was my biggest advocate – she truly believed that motherhood would make me a stronger architect. From her, I learned how to lead with both confidence and kindness, how to navigate challenges, and how to trust my own voice. Her support gave me the courage to step into leadership when I wasn’t always sure I was ready.

What do you think are the next big challenges we need to tackle as an industry and as a successful city-region? Are there specific things you think we should be doing to meet the challenges?

One of the biggest challenges facing Toronto today is ensuring the city remains welcoming and supportive of young families. As a parent myself, this is a lens through which I view many of the city’s needs and opportunities. Affordability is critical – housing options that are accessible and suitable for families must be a priority. Beyond that, inclusive public spaces like playgrounds where children of all abilities can play and connect are essential for building strong communities. We also need to embrace innovative urban housing solutions that respond to changing family structures and lifestyles. Reliable, accessible public transit is key to connecting families to work, school, and amenities without relying solely on cars. And of course, clean, safe neighborhoods are fundamental to quality of life. As an industry, we must design with these priorities in mind to create a Toronto where families can thrive. Collaboration across sectors will be key to making this vision a reality.

Tell us how you champion others in the industry.

I champion young architects by offering mentorship and support tailored to their unique challenges – especially women and young parents balancing career and family. I strive to create a safe space where they can grow, ask questions, and build confidence. Helping them navigate the industry and find opportunities to succeed is deeply important to me. I’m committed to advocating for inclusive leadership and building a community where everyone can thrive.

What is your secret talent no one knows you have?

My secret talent is a deep – sometimes embarrassingly deep – knowledge of pop culture. Trivia nights hate to see me coming.

What is the best word to describe you? And Why?