From Holding Back to Leading Boldly: Stories of Women in Architecture

A BEACAP webinar on the moments we play smaller than we need to — and how to change that.

Event Details

• Format: 60-minute virtual seminar, structured for group discussion and interaction

• Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026

• Time: 12:00 PM ET

• Where: Online — link provided upon registration

• Hosted by: Building Equality in Architecture Capital Region (BEACAP)

Description

Every architect has felt it: the idea you didn't pitch, the raise you didn't ask for, the room where you let someone else's voice carry the moment instead of your own. In BEACAP’s inaugural webinar, Sandra Bekhor, Practice Management and Mindset Coach, brings together the stories and strategies that help women in architecture close that gap — between moments when they hold back and the vision for the leader they know they can become.

From Holding Back to Leading Boldly celebrates the talent and potential of women in architecture while looking honestly at the moments we play smaller than we need to. Through real stories and practical strategies drawn from across career stages, we'll explore how speaking up in boardrooms, proactively advocating for work aligned with your career goals, and leading in your own way can feel both doable and authentic.

You don't have to copy the loudest voice in the room to be a bold leader. There are many valid ways to lead — and part of the journey is discovering the version that fits you.

This is designed as an interactive session, not a lecture: expect structured opportunities throughout the hour to share your own experiences, discuss the ideas raised, and hear directly from other attendees.

What You'll Walk Away With

• Real stories, not just theory. Hear how women at different career stages have navigated the moments that called for bolder leadership.

• Practical strategies you can use immediately. Concrete approaches to speaking up, advocating for aligned work, and leading authentically — no matter your seniority.

• A leadership style that's actually yours. Permission (and a framework) to lead in a way that fits who you are, not a borrowed script.

• A personalized, interactive discussion. The session is structured for active participation, with dedicated time to share and discuss ideas as a group. An optional short self-reflection tool, offered beforehand, will help shape the live discussion and Q&A around what's most relevant to attendees.

Featuring

Sandra Bekhor, Practice Management and Mindset Coach.

For 20 years, Sandra Bekhor has supported lawyers, architects, consultants, and other professionals in translating ambition into thriving practices and rewarding careers. She presents extensively for professional bodies including the Toronto Lawyers Association and the Canadian Bar Association, serves as subject-matter expert for the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada's (RAIC) "Marketing for Architects" course, and is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at York University's accelerator program, ELLA.

Sandra contributed the chapter on marketing plans to the 2nd edition of LinkedIn Marketing Techniques for Law and Professional Practices, published by the American Bar Association, and hosts Get in the Driver's Seat, a podcast on leadership moments in professional practice, sponsored by and featured on CPDonline.ca. Her work centres on helping professionals define their own version of leadership and take the steps that get them there — with clarity, strategy, and authenticity.

Before the Webinar

Attendees will have the option to complete a short online self-reflection tool ahead of the session, the Saboteur Assessment. Completing the assessment in advance will help participants personalize the live discussion to the questions they are actually sitting with. The session itself is structured around group participation, with dedicated time built in to share perspectives and discuss the ideas raised. 

Who Should Attend

While this webinar is aimed at mid-career professional women in the AEC industry, individuals from any career stage or background will find immense value in the stories and discussions.  

• Women in architecture and design at any career stage — students to principals

• Allies and firm leaders who want to better support the women on their teams

• Anyone who has ever hesitated to speak up, negotiate, or lead in their own way

Call to Action

Register now to reserve your spot for BEACAP's inaugural webinar: https://tinyurl.com/BEACAPWebinar

We’re taking the BEACAP Media Club to the National Gallery of Canada for a special summer exhibition edition!

This session will focus on Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey, featuring more than 80 paintings, sketchbooks, and archival works exploring everyday life, nature, labour, and modern womanhood.

How it works:

Step 1: Tour the Exhibition

Join us as we explore the exhibition together at the National Gallery of Canada. No advance reading, listening or art expertise required—just come ready to look, think, and talk.

📍 National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr.

🗓 August 20, 2026, 5:30 to 6:30 PM

Get your National Gallery tickets at https://www.gallery.ca/visit/admission, free on Thursday evenings.

Step 2: Drink and Discuss

Head to Brigid’s Well after the exhibition for drinks and a relaxed conversation about the works, themes, and ideas that stood out.

📍 The Brig Pub, 23 York St, Ottawa.

🗓 August 20, 2026, 6:30 to 9:00 PM

Skip the small talk. Read (or listen), then join us for drinks and conversation about Priya Parker and 'The Art of Gathering'.

How it works:

Step 1: Read or Listen (on your own time)

• The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

• The Ezra Klein Show — “Is Your Social Life Missing Something? This Is For You”

(Available online and through the Ottawa Public Library)

Step 2: Eat, Drink, Discuss
Come talk about the themes, ideas, and questions sparked by the material. No pressure—just thoughtful conversation in a relaxed setting. Note: Cash bar. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

Working on a portfolio or résumé? Need some feedback? Join BEACAP for a Student Portfolio & Résumé Review Session on January 21, 2026 from 5pm to 8pm, in the Pit at Carleton University

Reviews are first come, first served, but scan the QR code or hit the link in our bio to sign up so we can ensure we can accommodate all those who are interested!

Interested in volunteering? Check your inbox—our volunteer coordinator will be in touch, or reach out to beacapitalregion@gmail.com.

BEACAP will have our first official launch during Ottawa Architecture Week (OAW) at the Vernissage on Friday, October 3rd, 6:00-10:30 pm at the SAW Gallery.

Come mix and mingle! Get to know the Building Equality in Architecture Capital Region mission and goals.

Register at www.oawfest.com/events/2025vernissage