The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has received a 2026 ASAE Power of Associations Gold Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), recognizing Next to Lead, a volunteer leadership development program that prepares racially and ethnically underrepresented women to step into leadership roles at the AIA.
The ASAE Power of Associations Awards recognize associations that leverage their unique ability to convene stakeholders, inspire collaboration, and drive meaningful change. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts, award recipients exemplify how associations create lasting impact that extends well beyond the members they serve.
Next to Lead is the first program of its kind, built to advance volunteer leadership for racially and ethnically underrepresented women who aspire to lead within AIA. It reflects AIA’s ongoing commitment to racial equity across the organization and the profession.
“Next to Lead is helping ensure that AIA—and the architecture profession as a whole—has a bright future,” said 2026 AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA. “By investing in and empowering emerging leaders today, we strengthen our profession’s capacity to serve communities tomorrow. A more diverse leadership pipeline will lead to better outcomes for architects, clients, and society, because leadership can’t wait.”
Each year, up to 18 women join this 10-month journey to sharpen their leadership skills and give voice to the issues shaping women’s experiences in the workplace and the profession. Through monthly virtual sessions and in-person workshops led by expert speakers and AIA staff, participants grow new skills while sharpening ones they already have.
“ASAE’s Power of Associations Awards recognize the very best of what our community can accomplish,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAiP. “This recognition honors organizations that don’t simply advance their own missions—they bring people together to solve complex challenges, strengthen industries and professions, and create lasting benefits for society. AIA has demonstrated the vision, leadership, and commitment to make a meaningful difference, and we are proud to recognize Next to Lead as one of this year’s outstanding achievements.”
ASAE will celebrate The Power of Associations Award recipients during its annual Summit Awards Dinner on September 22, 2026, at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
About the American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well-being. AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards.
 has received a 2026 ASAE Power of Associations Gold Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), recognizing Next to Lead, a volunteer leadership development program that prepares racially and ethnically underrepresented women to step into leadership roles at the AIA.){kind=link}