Industry Turns Out to Congratulate Karyn Hayes & Support ALA Women in Lighting

The 2025 ALA Women in Lighting Leadership Award (WILLA) was presented to Karyn Hayes during the ALA Women in Lighting (WIL) event at Lightovation last week.

“I’m humbled to receive this award,” Hayes noted. “I’ve been blessed from [my relationships with] reps and showrooms. I want to give a huge ‘Thank You’ to the ALA Women in Lighting committee and to the American Lighting Association (ALA).”

Hayes was one of four founding members of the Women in Lighting group — which includes Laura Van Zeyl, Martha Graham, and Kellee Hollenback Hammond. It was at the 2017 ALA Conference in Vancouver, B.C. that the idea for the group took shape. “To see what the organization has become today is amazing,” Hayes noted.  

Hayes began her career at age 22, when she left New York after graduating college to work for a builder in Virginia. Ten years later, she left the homebuilding sector to work her way up at Ferguson, starting as an admin. “I soaked up every minute of knowledge there. I am so thankful and proud of my admin days,” she said. Over her 18 years at Ferguson, Hayes steadily climbed the corporate ladder, advancing in expertise and leadership. When she joined Hinkley 13 years ago, she became fully immersed in the lighting industry. “Hinkley helped me take my leadership skills to the next level,” she said.

“One thing I have learned over the years is to be proud and humble in everything you do. This award belongs to everyone who has been a part of my journey,” Hayes remarked.

After the awards presentation concluded, Tami Stauffacher, chair of the WIL Philanthropy Committee, announced this year’s Philanthropic Initiative. The newly launched Kathy Skogen Memorial Fund was created in honor of the late Kathy Skogen of Décor Lighting Sales, who passed away in January and was a fervent supporter of the American Lighting Association, its Women in Lighting group, and the lighting industry.

“We invite all ALA members to look at the scholarship opportunities available,” said Stauffacher, who worked alongside Skogen for years. “You don’t have to be new to lighting.  Kathy encouraged growth and mentorship. She left a lasting mark on all of us,” Stauffacher stated.  Applications for the scholarships will be accepted year-round.

The Women in Lighting event included a raffle for a two-night hotel stay for the next Lightovation, courtesy of the Dallas Market Center. The winners were Lori Carpenter of Lori Carpenter Designs and Alexandra Falconi of InfinityHome.

In addition, lighting manufacturer Z-Lite – which hosted the Women in Lighting event in its newly remodeled showroom – offered three $100 bills as prizes in the raffle. The winners were Gloria Staats of Peace of Mind Design, Nicolas Suarez of InfinityHome, and Ilse Benard of Ilse Benard Designs.

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