Colleen Wadeson

I attribute my success to passion, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning. I believe that maintaining enthusiasm for what I do, staying resilient through challenges, and always seeking to expand my knowledge have been key factors in achieving my goals.

The best career advice I’ve ever received, and one that resonates with me especially now, is to embrace every setback as preparation for a comeback. It’s a choice to see challenges as opportunities for growth. That mindset is why I focus on being proactive and productive in all areas of my life, including my career, health, and relationships.

For young women entering architecture, I would recommend taking the time to visit architecture firms and set up informational interviews to understand the field firsthand. Do thorough research on the profession, as the tools, technologies, and realities of architecture today are very different from when I started. Take your upper-level education seriously, and seek opportunities to travel, study abroad, and engage with diverse cultures—architecture and design vary around the world, and exposure to different perspectives can be a powerful source of inspiration and ideas with a sustainable mindset. Think about what will endure. Be deliberate about how you spend your time and proactive in your learning and experiences, because architecture is both a significant commitment and a remarkable opportunity to leave a lasting imprint on the built environment. It requires focus, diligence, and a passion for continual growth.

One of the biggest challenges for young women today is the constant barrage of messages that can distract them from their purpose, dreams, and perseverance. It’s important to recognize that trials and challenges can serve as opportunities to refine every aspect of life—character, approach, relationships, passions, and goals. I experienced this personally as a writer: I love language, words, and handwriting, and I take copious notes wherever I go. One day, I looked at the word “trial” I had written and realized that by changing its vowels, it could become “trail.” That small insight felt like a gift—it reminded me that trials can shape, guide, and define our path, turning obstacles into meaningful steps forward.

The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are truth, communication, honesty, integrity, responsibility, purpose, connection, and collaboration. I prioritize these because they guide my decisions, shape my relationships, and create meaningful impact in both my work and my life.