About Us

LeaderFlow > About Us

Why LeaderFlow

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, collectively has lacked accessible leadership development for mid-career professionals, limiting career growth and representation at the highest levels. LeaderFlow was created to fill this gap, providing a psychologically safe space for architects, engineers, and construction professionals to connect, learn, and grow. Our transformative seven-month program has empowered over 150 AEC professionals across five cities, equipping them with the skills and support needed to advance their careers and strengthen leadership across the industry.

LeaderFlow, Inc. was created as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to address this gap by providing a leadership development program that empowers mid-career professionals to thrive and excel in their careers, ultimately strengthening leadership across the AEC industry.

Why LeaderFlow

The Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry, like many others, has broad goals to achieve a higher level of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Historically, this industry has been significantly underrepresented by diverse leadership, and there are still challenges with retaining diverse talent. One large gap in this career pipeline is the opportunity for mid-career professionals, especially those of color to access vital leadership development training.

What makes LeaderFlow different?

We focus our recruiting efforts primarily on mid-career AEC professionals that will make up a cohort of 12-15 participants from within the same city, but preferably not from the same company. We found that through our inaugural leadership development program, this blend of participants helped to create more authentic and vulnerable conversations as the emerging leaders can openly discuss their experiences and perspectives in a safe space without directly challenging their co-workers or firm leaders.

Connection

Build authentic relationships

Growth

Fulfillment through curiosity and effort

Equity

Transform workplace culture

Leadership

Achieve excellence and positive impact

Our Mission

To accelerate the pipeline to leadership for professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, focusing on those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Our Vision

LeaderFlow began with a vision: to build leadership pipelines that reflect the full breadth of talent across our workforce. While we were founded to expand access and opportunities for professionals from historically underrepresented backgrounds facing systemic barriers to advancement, our program has since grown to welcome all who share our commitment to making leadership in our industry more inclusive and accessible—and who seek to contribute to a community united by that goal.

Our Mission

To accelerate the pipeline to leadership for professionals of color in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.

Our Vision

To bring together passionate and accomplished leaders along with talented diverse professionals within the AEC industry to make connections, build relationships and grow into leadership.

Janiece Williams

Co-Founder & Executive Director of LeaderFlow

Janiece Williams is trained as an architectural designer and was one of the original cohort participants in the 2021 pilot program. With over 10 years of experience in the architecture industry, she developed a strong passion for supporting emerging professionals as they navigate their careers. Inspired by the impact of the pilot program, she co-launched LeaderFlow to encourage professionals—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—to invest in their personal growth and leadership development.

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John Gavan, KPFF

John Gavan, KPFF

Co-Founder of LeaderFlow & CEO of KPFF Consulting Engineers
John Gavan is the CEO of KPFF Consulting Engineers. Driven by the heightened social unrest in the country, he wanted to find an impactful and tangible way to effect meaningful change in the AEC industry. In 2021, John had the idea to introduce the framework of a leadership development program that he started within KPFF’s organization to the Southern California Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (SoCal NOMA). The first annual program was open to SoCal NOMA members at various stages in their careers, and consisted of interactive training sessions facilitated by top industry professionals and leaders.
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Morgan Alexander

Operations Director

Morgan Alexander brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in program and project management as well as operational excellence. Morgan has a diverse background spanning industries such as healthcare, higher education, and technology. Her solutions-oriented mindset enables her to effectively address organizational goals while fostering innovation and efficiency. She is passionate about cultivating strong relationships that support mission-driven success and is committed to delivering results that align with organizational values and vision.

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