BEAToronto Emerging Leaders Program Fall 2026

LEADERSHIP INCUBATOR FOR WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE

The BEAToronto Emerging Leaders Program is a leadership incubator for women in architecture who are at a pivotal moment in their careers and preparing to take on greater leadership responsibility within their organizations. The program addresses key gaps in architectural education, including leadership development, business literacy, communication, influence, and the transition into leadership roles. Through a series of interactive sessions led by senior architects, leadership experts, and industry professionals, participants will gain practical tools to navigate practice, lead teams, build confidence, and expand their impact within the profession.

The program combines presentations, facilitated discussions, peer learning, and reflective exercises within a trusted cohort environment. Topics include the business of architecture, leadership identity, people leadership, resilience, career development, public presence, and practice impact.

More than a professional development program, the Emerging Leaders Program is an opportunity to build meaningful connections with peers, learn from experienced leaders, and become part of a growing network of women committed to shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for architecture.

The Fall 2026 cohort will run from September through November, with five in-person evening sessions held on September 15, September 29, October 13, October 27, and November 10, at various locations throughout central Toronto. Each session begins with a shared dinner, followed by presentations and workshops. The program concludes with a public networking event on November 24, where participants share key insights from their leadership journey and connect with members of the broader architecture and design community.

Program Goals

The program is designed to:

  • Build understanding of how architectural practices operate and how decisions are made

  • Prepare participants for leadership roles within architecture firms and related organizations

  • Strengthen practical leadership skills and confidence needed to lead teams and influence culture

  • Create a trusted peer network grounded in generosity, shared experience, and collaboration

  • Support participants in advancing their careers and mentoring others, in ways that align with their personal goals

Who the Program Is For

  • Women Architects and Intern Architects with approximately 5 to 10 years of post-graduate professional experience who are beginning to take on leadership responsibilities or preparing for leadership roles within their organizations. 

  • Individuals at a transition point in their career, or seeking to further develop leadership skills

  • Those interested in leadership roles within architectural practices or teams.

Cohort Selection

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • A genuine interest in developing their leadership skills and preparing for increased leadership responsibility within architectural practice or related organizations. 

  • A willingness to participate actively, reflect honestly, and contribute generously to discussions and peer learning. 

  • A commitment to equity, inclusive practice, and fostering positive change within the profession. 

  • Curiosity, openness, and a desire to learn from the experiences and perspectives of others. 

In assembling the cohort, BEAToronto also considers diversity across practice settings, firm sizes, areas of practice, career paths, and lived experiences to create a rich and balanced learning environment. The cohort size will be capped at 20 participants, and a maximum of two participants will be accepted from any one organization.

Program fee

  • $1,500 per participant

Thank you to the in-kind 2026 Emerging Leaders program sponsors Arcadis, Diamond Schmitt Architects, Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, KPMB Architects, LGA Architectural Partners, MJMA Architecture & Design, WZMH Architects, Vanessa Judelman, Elaine Pantel, and Basima Roshan.

Applications for the 2026 program are due August 7, 2026. Participants will be notified by August 21. Click below for more information and to apply.

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