PANEL DISCUSSION
Katherine Stekr, STEK Design Co | Rachel Fitzgerald, Stantec | Jamie Devenger, QTL | Blythe von Reckers, MH Lighting
Location: Sutton North
Thursday, April 15, 2027
11:00 am – 12:30 pm ET
Credits TBA
Intermediate
Women now occupy leadership roles across every segment of the lighting industry, yet many still navigate challenges related to confidence, career advancement, mentorship, and representation. This lively panel of women brings together leaders from diverse career paths, including design consulting, manufacturing, independent practice, and agency representation, for an authentic conversation about the realities of leadership. Rather than presenting themselves as experts with all the answers, panelists will share authentic experiences, lessons learned, setbacks, and successes. Through personal stories, industry research, and honest discussion, attendees of any gender will gain practical insights and encouragement to support their own professional growth.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize how leadership is experienced differently across genders and career paths, and why those differences matter for building and retaining talent in lighting.
- Identify the roles that mentorship, sponsorship, and self-awareness play in career growth, and how to seek or offer them.
- Apply practical strategies for building confidence and working through imposter syndrome at any career stage.
- Use tools such as personality assessments to strengthen self-awareness, improve team dynamics, and mentor emerging professionals.
Speakers
Katherine Stekr
Founder and Principal
STEK Design Co
With nearly 20 years of lighting design expertise, Katherine doesn’t just light spaces—she transforms them. Her work blends technical mastery with artistic vision, making her a go-to resource for thoughtful, standout design. She understands the complexities of each project, navigates challenges with ease, and partners closely with clients to ensure every space feels just right. Her collaborative spirit and intuitive problem-solving turn vision into reality, one design at a time.
A passionate advocate for holistic design approaches, Katherine is committed to creating environments that are not only beautiful but also responsible and enduring. She approaches each project with care, creativity, and a deep respect for the people who will live and work within it.
Rachel Fitzgerald
Senior Principal, Discipline Lead, Lighting Design
Stantec
With over 20 years of award winning work, Rachel blends sustainability, technology, and human well being across workplace, education, civic, and mixed use projects. Rachel chairs the IALD Membership Committee, advises on the WELL Building Standard’s Light concept, and serves on the NeoCon Program Review Board. A recognized speaker and writer, she is passionate about advancing lighting design through education, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions.
Jamie Devenger
Chief Innovation Officer
QTL
Jamie is a talented lighting professional with 15+ years' experience managing and designing projects across a wide portfolio of market sectors, including commercial, museum, hospitality, historical, residential, retail, and themed environment. I apply creativity, critical thinking, a solid technical skill set, and good organizational skills to achieve successful designs that realize architects’ and owners’ visions. Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment to stay on schedule and within budget.
Blythe von Reckers
Vice President - Specification Sales
MH Lighting
Blythe von Reckers is a seasoned professional in architectural lighting with over two decades of experience in design and sales. A graduate of University of Colorado, Boulder, with a degree in Architectural Engineering, she began her career at Phoenix Large Lightmatters in London before honing her craft as a lighting designer at NBBJ and Pivotal Lighting Design in Seattle. During her college years, she gained invaluable experience interning with IALD lighting designers in Boulder, New York City, and San Francisco.
For the past 17 years, she has excelled as a local manufacturer's representative, with the last 11 years at the MH Companies in Denver, CO. As Vice President of Specification Sales, she plays a critical role in keeping designers aware of new products and technologies, assisting with questions and modifications, and serving as the local liaison to the manufacturers she represents. Her dedication extends beyond her role, as she is an active participant in professional organizations across the construction design industry. From 2015 to 2019, she played a pivotal role in the Brilliance Awards, culminating in serving as President for the 2019 awards.