While Women’s Equality Day began as a celebration of the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920, its significance continues to grow. Today, it serves as both a reflection on past progress and a reminder of work still to be done.
At Urban, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can grow, lead, and thrive. One of the longstanding initiatives of that commitment is the Urban Women’s Professional Network (UWPN).
Founded in 2007, UWPN has become a valued and critical part of Urban’s culture. With nearly two decades of impact, it serves as a space for support, advocacy, and professional development. What started as an initiative for women to connect has grown into an employee resource group (ERG) that fosters connection and collaboration across departments, roles, and functions.
While historical representation within the A/E/C field has previously been skewed towards primarily male, the founders of UWPN recognized the need to support and encourage female employees to build confidence and embrace leadership roles.
Today, UWPN's mission continues to grow and adapt. The group is open to all employees, both men and women, offering mentorship, social and educational enrichment, and networking opportunities to advance professional growth.
UWPN offers a variety of programming covering topics such as:
The UWPN is designed to be flexible and inclusive, promoting open dialogue and knowledge sharing. It encourages a sense of empowerment and community. Additionally, it serves as a reminder that professional development involves learning from one another, adapting to challenges, and growing together.
As we reflect on Women’s Equality Day, we not only honor the progress of those who came before us but also recognize the importance of sustaining that progress through intentional action. The work of groups like UWPN plays a vital role in this effort, helping to build a workplace where equality is a shared value.