This small online working group is focused on designing and launching an inspiring leadership retreat for women in architecture and design, with a democratic and participative leadership model.

Pool of Other Leaders (POOL) is a collaborative space bringing together visionaries, practitioners and change-makers from different backgrounds to craft a transformative experience focused on mentorship, sponsorship and leadership. Through shared insights, workshops and strategic planning, we’ll co-create a retreat that empowers women to lead with confidence, shape the future of design, and foster lasting meaningful connections. Whether you’re an emerging architect or a senior woman architect, your voice more than matters – it has the power to change the world.

Aims

  • Empower leadership & advocacy – Develop a retreat that equips women in architecture with the skills, confidence and networks to lead, advocate for equity, and drive meaningful change within the industry.
  • Foster community & mentorship – Create a supportive and caring space that nurtures mentorship, peer connections, intersectional identities, and cross-generational knowledge-sharing to strengthen women’s presence and influence in architecture.
  • Champion sustainability, diversity & inclusive design – Ensure the retreat reflects principles of sustainability, inclusivity and innovation, inspiring participants to integrate these values into their leadership and design practices.

Goals

The long-term goal is to create a self-sustaining yearly leadership retreat. The short-term goal is to develop and deliver the first prototype of the retreat in 2026. This will involve:

  • Designing the program
  • Grant writing to acquire funding to make the program affordable
  • Identifying and connecting with mentors-participants: based on trust, relationality and reciprocity – beyond mere interest.

Get involved!

Who

POOL is led by Kavita Gonsalves. The initial team will have an upper limit of 4–6 members, and will grow to include 5–10 mentors.

When & where

Fortnightly online meetings.

How to get involved

Fill out this form to register your interest. The initial aim is to find a small group to develop the program. There may be additional opportunities to get involved as the project progresses. You can also use the form to express interest in being kept up to date about the retreat as it develops.

Expected behaviours 

  • Collaborative mindset – Encourage open dialogue, active listening, and constructive feedback to co-create an impactful retreat.
  • Respect & inclusivity – Ensure all voices are heard, valued and respected, fostering a safe and empowering space for diverse perspectives.
  • Goal-oriented focus – Stay aligned with the group’s mission, maintaining productivity and accountability in decision-making.
  • Innovative thinking – Embrace creativity, challenge norms, and explore bold ideas to design a transformative leadership experience.
  • Commitment & follow-through – Honour responsibilities, meet deadlines, and contribute meaningfully to the retreat’s development. Attendance for 15/18 meetings: meetings will run from March to November.