On Thursday July 24th, over seventy mentors, mentees and guests came together and celebrated the closure of this year’s mentoring programme at the Davison Highley showroom in Clerkenwell, London. And what a terrific celebration!

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate — and to reflect on what this programme has meant.

A heartfelt thank you to our brilliant panelists:
Yuki Sumner, Alessandra Donato, Anna Rowell, Lakshmi Sai Prakashini Rajeaswar, and Tendy St Francis - their insights, honesty, and generosity made the evening so special.

And to the wider WIA 2025 Mentoring community — over 500 mentors and mentees, women and men — thank you. You’ve helped build something truly special: a supportive, generous network that uplifts women in architecture and champions growth, clarity, and confidence at every career stage.

The conversation left us thinking about how much we grow when we’re given space to reflect, speak honestly, and be heard.

Mentees shared how the programme helped them gain clarity on their strengths, connect with what matters to them, and navigate their careers with more confidence.

Mentors spoke just as openly — about the importance of listening, showing up with care, and how mentoring gave back in unexpected ways.

What really stayed with us was this shared message:
Mentoring is an investment in yourself — but also in each other.
It builds momentum, belonging, and reminds us that we don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Watch the full recording on WIA YouTube:

WIA YouTube

LtoR: Eleni Stathi (WIA), Alessandra Donato (mentee), Tendi St Francis (mentor), Yuki Sumner (mentor), Lakshmi Sai Prakashini Rajeaswar (mentee), Anna Rowell (mentee), and Karen Fugle (WIA)

Thank you to our generous hosts and sponsors, Jade Snelling and Trudy Martin and the team at Davison Highley Ltd, for making the evening possible. Their stunning Clerkenwell showroom — full of beautifully crafted bespoke furniture — is well worth a visit. Do pop in if you’re nearby!

A special thank you to Rachael Connolly of the Clerkenwell Rug Studio Limited who donated a stunning rug for our raffle — won by WIA mentor Richard Blackwell. Congratulations!