Every year, the Women in Lighting committee presents the Women in Lighting Leadership Award (WILLA).
Criteria:
The annual Women in Lighting award recognizes one individual for their role in at least two of the following activities within the past two years:
- Achievement/leadership in the lighting industry
- Support of ALA
- Mentoring of other women in the lighting industry
- Devotion to their community through philanthropy, volunteer work, or outstanding active support/participation
The recipient must be a member of ALA, nominated by an ALA member, and voted upon by the WIL Committee.
2025 ALA Women in Lighting Leadership Award Recipient
Karyn Hayes
The American Lighting Association (ALA) announced Karyn Hayes as the 2025 recipient of its annual Women in Lighting Leadership Award (WILLA). Each year, the ALA’s Women in Lighting (WIL) Committee recognizes one outstanding colleague for her dedication to mentorship, leadership, and networking in the industry.
Contenders are required to meet specific criteria, be a member of ALA, and receive a nomination from an ALA member. The WIL Committee tallies and reviews all nominations and votes, following an evaluation of an individual’s achievements, leadership, and contributions to the lighting industry.
The WIL Committee selected Hayes due to the overwhelming number of nominations she received, as well as her positive reputation for working with integrity to help lighting showrooms and suppliers grow their businesses through technology, innovation, merchandising and business strategy.
“Karyn has a long history as a champion in our industry,” commented Patrick Laidlaw, director of business development at WAC Lighting. “Throughout her career, Karyn has always exemplified dedication, hard work, loyalty to lighting, and an earnest initiative to be a leader in the lighting world.”
Nominations of Hayes reinforced her leadership, drive, courage and determination to serve as an inspiration to everyone she meets, particularly through mentorship and professional development of her peers. “Her dedication has made a significant impact on the success of the Women in Lighting Committee’s Mentorship Program,” noted Tammy Pegg, President of Spectra Marketing Group.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious recognition from Women in Lighting,” said Karyn Hayes, “This is a wonderful way to honor my 25 years in lighting. It has been my pleasure to work and serve this community during this part of my career.”
Hayes has served in various sales roles with Hinkley since joining the company in 2012, including leading a team of sales managers and 40 independent sales representatives, servicing more than 500 customers in the Showroom Channel. While she recently stepped away from Hinkley, calling it a "reinspirement," she plans to explore new opportunities. Prior to working for Hinkley, she spent nearly two decades at Ferguson Enterprises in various roles leading to National Business Manager for Lighting.
The award was presented to Hayes during Lightovation at the ALA Women in Lighting Reception on Wednesday, June 18, in the Z-Lite showroom.