IESNYC Mentorship Program

The Guiding Lights Circle is an IESNYC mentorship initiative designed to enrich the careers of both seasoned and emerging professionals.

Now entering its third cycle, the program continues to bring together emerging professionals and experienced members of the lighting industry for thoughtful one-on-one mentorship, open conversation, and long-term relationship building.

Mentees are paired with accomplished mentors who offer guidance, perspective, and support as they navigate the early stages of their careers. Through monthly in-person meetings, group programming, and committee support, participants are encouraged to explore both professional and personal growth in a welcoming and trusted environment.

The 2026–2027 mentorship program will run for nine months
beginning in September 2026 and concluding in June 2027.

Applications Are Open
Deadline: August 21, 2026

Applications are welcome from emerging professionals across the lighting community, including lighting designers, manufacturers, manufacturer’s representatives and distributors. New mentee applicants are encouraged to apply. Returning mentors are also welcome to participate in the next cycle.

Pairings will be thoughtfully reviewed by the Mentorship Committee with the goal of creating meaningful connections based on experience, interests, goals, and areas of growth.

If you have any questions, email: [email protected]

IESNYC Mentors

Eligibility Criteria

Must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in the lighting industry.
Should possess a willingness to share knowledge, listen thoughtfully, and support mentees in their professional development.
Should be committed to building a trusted and respectful mentor-mentee relationship.
Must be an IESNYC member.

Roles and Responsibilities

Provide guidance, perspective, and industry knowledge.
Support mentees as they explore career goals, challenges, and opportunities.
Be available for monthly in-person meetings at mutually agreeable times.
Participate in program events, check-ins, and committee-supported activities when available.

IESNYC Mentees

Eligibility Criteria

Must be an emerging professional in the lighting industry with 5 years or less of professional experience. Not limited to lighting designers.
Should demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, learning, and active participation.
Should be open to guidance, conversation, and reflection.
Current full-time students are not eligible for this program cycle.

Roles and Responsibilities

Take an active role in the mentorship process.
Communicate clearly and help schedule monthly meetings.
Come prepared for conversations with questions, goals, or topics to discuss.
Be open to guidance, new perspectives, and constructive conversation.
Maintain professionalism and respect the mentor’s time and commitment.

We encourage mentees to become IESNYC members. Not an IESNYC member? Register Online at ies.org/membership or email us at [email protected]. Be sure to affiliate yourself with the NYC section!

Program in Brief

Objective: To support emerging lighting professionals through meaningful mentorship, connection, and industry guidance.
Duration: The 2026–2027 program will run for nine months, from September 2026 through June 2027.
Meetings: Mentor-mentee pairs are expected to meet monthly in person at mutually agreeable times.
Program Support: Participants will be supported by the Mentorship Committee throughout the cycle.
Group Programming: The program will include networking opportunities, educational events, workshops, and committee-led check-ins.
Participation: Consistent engagement, open communication, and mutual respect are essential to the success of each pairing.
Guidelines: Full eligibility, expectations, and selection criteria can be found in the Program Guidelines.

Application Process Timeline

Applications Open: July 6, 2026
Application Deadline: August 21, 2026
Review Period: Late August 2026
Notification of Acceptance: Early September 2026
Program Begins: September 2026
Program Concludes: June 2027

Mission

The Mentorship Committee strives to create meaningful connections across the lighting community by offering a supportive network where mentors and mentees can share insight, ask questions, build trust, and encourage continued learning.

The Guiding Lights Circle is designed to help emerging professionals recognize their strengths, explore possible paths forward, and develop lasting relationships within a complex and evolving marketplace. For mentors, the program offers an opportunity to give back, share perspective, strengthen leadership skills, and help support the continued growth of the lighting community.

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Committee

Chair
Jean Jacques, SDA Lighting and Controls 

Board Liaisons
Nathalie Faubert, CBBLD
Brigid Hardiman, Available Light

Members
Francesca Bastianini, Sighte Studio
Jessie Frias, Illuminico
Ryan Raica-Scallan, Luminii
Shoshanna Segal, Hartranft Lighting Design

Contact us
[email protected]