The American Lighting Association kicked off its new Emerging Leaders in Lighting program (formerly Young Executives) at June Lightovation. Shown left to right: ALA executives Raelle Bell, Jon Melchi, Carrie Kolles and Nici Juneau.
Looking for the next group of up-and-comers in the lighting industry? Look no further than the American Lighting Association’s Emerging Leaders initiative, which expands on its Young Executives program from past years.
Emerging Leaders, which was presented right before the Showroom of the Year Awards at last month’s June Lightovation, will have its official kick-off reception in January 2026 at Dallas’s Lightovation.
The American Lighting Association’s (ALA) Emerging Leaders in Lighting assembles a new committee that will be dedicated to recognizing and supporting the next generation of industry leaders, from company executives to retail leaders. This group is designed to bring together lighting professionals at all career stages — from up-and-coming talent to experienced mentors — to foster leadership, creativity and growth in the lighting industry.
No More Age Limits
The latest iteration of the program will expand and acknowledge industry leaders without an age cap, where Young Executives topped out at 40-years-old. “We didn’t want to limit participation,” said Raelle Bell, vice president of marketing for the ALA. “There are emerging leaders in the lighting industry at all ages.” For networking opportunities, expanding the age limit will make it more comfortable for past “Young Executives” to continue to participate in leadership activities, as the group hopes to create a space where fresh ideas can thrive and strong connections can be built.
The committee highlights individuals who are driving innovation, challenging the status quo and shaping the future of lighting, and the overall goal is to create a growing movement committed to elevating the people in lighting making a difference today as well as those who will lead tomorrow. Emerging Leaders is a place where up and coming leaders can be seen, supported and inspired along with the rest of the industry.
Reshaping Recognition
Expanding the age limit for the initiative is not the only change being made for Emerging Leaders. The plan is to extend visibility with multiple outreach opportunities, beyond receptions at Lightovation, which will continue to take place as a way for Emerging Leaders and industry to network and celebrate.
In addition, while Emerging Leaders will continue to be recognized during networking activities and events, as the American Lighting Association readies the release of its new website this year, there will also be a platform to recognize emerging leaders on a quarterly basis via spotlight features.
The organization will recognize the following:
- Rising Stars: Recognized for their leadership potential, innovation and energy.
- Creative Thinkers: Driving progress with new ideas, bold approaches or impactful improvements.
- Difference Makers: Achieving career milestones and creating positive change in their companies and communities.
In addition to the Spotlight Series, the ALA will use its new member platform on the website to develop a searchable online database for those in the industry who want to connect and help others or to help industry insiders find the experts they might need information from in different categories. There will be an online chat feature as well. This Emerging Leaders Online Network will be a dedicated space to share ideas, tackle challenges and collaborate with peers across the industry.
While just getting underway, the new Emerging Leaders initiative has created a lot of excitement. Once up and running, there will be a place to nominate or self-nominate emerging leaders for quarterly recognition. Keep an eye on the ALA website and newsletters for more information on Emerging Leaders.
Just for Retailers
Another initiative that gives newer lighting retailers and their employees an opportunity to thrive in the industry is the Light Stars program, sponsored by Dallas Market Center and the Lighting Board of Governors. To encourage exemplary lighting retail employees or newer lighting retailers, Dallas Market Center works in conjunction with the Lighting Board of Governors to nominate potential candidates for the program, which assists with travel expenses so employees/retailers who have not attended Lightovation can attend the summer market.
