​​          The number of accredited architecture degrees awarded to women now surpasses that of men in the United States. Thus, women’s presence and participation in the architectural discipline is poised to redefine the futures of both the profession and the built environment. Various social justice initiatives have advocated for decades the need to formally acknowledge women’s presence in and contributions to the profession throughout its history. The proposed research will examine past and current opportunities for the transition away from this historic inequity and away from the fear such a transition incites; examining how women explore freedom in design expression and practice as it becomes obligatory for peers and superiors to take their voices seriously. Women’s ongoing fight for recognition has also brought to focus the fact that architecture as a practice is fundamentally an ecosystem, operating at and in its highest capacity when contributions from diverse communities are honored. In the 21st century, as advocacy for equitable and inclusive legislation, professional frameworks, and decision-making have become increasingly more prevalent, the necessity for female designers and their leadership is greater than ever

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