Events

Who is an Emerging Professional?

An Emerging Professional (EP) is an individual who is still a student, or has less than 5 years of post-graduation experience in the lighting industry.

Why do I want to become an EP?

Joining the IES as an EP has numerous advantages. It will add structure to your career development and guide you away from the career freefall that many people experience. There are many avenues you can explore to get involved, it all depends on what your goals are, and how much of your time and energy you’re willing to invest.

Social

You will be introduced to the lighting industry. From other Emerging Professionals all the way up to Industry leaders and many others in between, the opportunities for meaningful networking and the resulting possibilities are endless.

Knowledge

If you’re looking to become more knowledgeable in the lighting industry we offer courses of different levels from fundamentals up to advanced. We also offer study groups for those who want to pass their test to become Lighting Certified (LC).

Leadership

If you want to learn how to become a leader of tomorrow, becoming an EP will expose you to opportunities that you won’t typically find in your job and will accelerate your career development and make you into a stand-out employee… did we mention you will have a ton of fun along the way, and you get to keep all your newly learned skills?

Are you ready to become an EP?

For those who are ready to enter the lighting industry, becoming an EP is a rewarding way to jumpstart your career while having a lot of fun in the process. More information on the Emerging Professional Program can be found by going to: https://ies.org/membership/emerging-professionals/

SCHOLARSHIP: $1,000
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, May 23, 2025 at 11:59PM EST

Summary: The Illuminating Engineering Society District of Columbia Section (IESDC) will award a
merit-based, single year $1,000 scholarship to recognize and support future contributors in the fields
of lighting and electrical design.

Eligibility: The scholarship is open to women, persons of color, and/or LGBTQ+ individuals who
are citizens of the United States, permanent U.S. residents, as well as holders of U.S. student visas
(F-1).
Applicants must be students currently enrolled in a part-time or full-time undergraduate or graduate
program as a degree candidate in the fields of Architectural Lighting Design, Theatrical Lighting
Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, or Electrical Engineering at an
accredited college/university within Washington, D.C. Metropolitan region.
Applicants must be able to attend the IESDC Candela Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 26th, 2025 at the Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C.

Deliverables: Email the following three items listed below to IESDC Education Chair, Tina Sarawgi
(iesdc.scholarships@gmail.com) and IESDC Secretary, Ashley Mandich (rsvp.capiesna@gmail.com)
by the deadline listed above to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
1. Completed Application
2. Resume, including any supplemental information to this application
3. A one to two page essay

Essay: : In a one to two page essay, describe how you fit the criteria, and how you would benefit from
this opportunity. Essay topics may include:

• What are your educational and professional goals and objectives?
• What inspired you to pursue a design career?
• What interests you about lighting and/or electrical design?
• What social and/or economic challenges have you encountered?

Past Scholarship Recipients

• Gaoussou Toure, University of Maryland (2024)
• Sidnia Garcia, Marymount University (2021)

SCHOLARSHIP: $1,000
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, May 23, 2025 at 11:59PM EST

Summary: The Illuminating Engineering Society District of Columbia Section (IESDC) will award a
merit-based, single year $1,000 scholarship to recognize and support future contributors in the fields
of lighting and electrical design.

Eligibility: The scholarships are open to citizens of the United States, permanent U.S. residents, as
well as holders of U.S. student visas (F-1).

Applicants must be students currently enrolled in a part-time or full-time undergraduate or graduate
program as a degree candidate in the fields of Architectural Lighting Design, Theatrical Lighting
Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, or Electrical Engineering at an
accredited college/university within Washington, D.C. Metropolitan region.
Applicants must be able to attend the IESDC Candela Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 27th,
2024 at the Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C.

Deliverables: Email the following three items listed below to IESDC Education Chair, Tina Sarawgi
(iesdc.scholarships@gmail.com) and IESDC Secretary, Ashley Mandich (rsvp.capiesna@gmail.com)
by the deadline listed above to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
1. Completed Application
2. Resume, including any supplemental information to this application
3. A one to two page essay.

Essay: In a one to two page essay, describe the following:

• What inspired you to pursue your studies in lighting and/or electrical design?
• How do you envision your ideal career path developing post graduation and how will lighting play a
  role in your career?
• How do you see yourself giving back to the lighting and electrical design community in the future?

The Student Scholarship was renamed in 2019 to honor all those in our community that we’ve lost. Each year, the Scholarship will be announced in honor of either a specific person or in honor of all District of Columbia Section Members who we’ve lost. The 2019 IES District of Columbia Section Memorial Student Scholarship was awarded in honor of Candace M. Kling, sponsored by CM Kling + Associates, and Michael B. Klein, sponsored by Jesco.

The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding student who demonstrates continued interest in the art and science of illumination.

Past Scholarship Recipients

• Isabela Rasmussen, George Washington University (2024)
• Aaron Zimmerman, Penn State University (2021)
• Dinara Rustamova, George Mason University (2019)
• Lily Hoffman, George Washington University, The Corcoran School of Art & Design (2018)
• Tuyen Dyer (Honorable Mention), Virginia Commonwealth University (2018)
• Jojo Rapipong, Marymount University (2017)
• Brianne Beal, The George Washington University (2016)
• Karen Purifoy, The George Washington University (2015)
• Sharece Hall, The George Washington University (2014)
• Redeit Admassie, The George Washington University (2013)
• Rosemarie Kasperson, The George Washington University (2012)
• Victoria Owings, Marymount University (2011)
• Stephen D. Ramos, The George Washington University (2010)
• Marissa Julien, Marymount University (2009)
• Alex Klein, son of Michael B. Klein (2008)

It is fitting that we are able to honor Candace and Michael Candace M. Kling together, as they had the two most recognizable laughs in  the industry. Thankfully for those of us who knew them we were able to hear them quite often. Often overlooked is Candace’s ability to teach and mentor. Many of her one time junior employees continue to have thriving careers in lighting design. She was an amazing one on one educator, making certain that you understood the reason behind the design. And never forgetting that an important part of design is instinct and having a little fun. She also made it possible to give back. Not only encouraging but almost requiring her staff to participate in the IES and IALD.

—David Ghatan

Michael never claimed perfection and his eccentricsMichael B. Klein brought more attention to his world. His full head of white hair coupled with his bow ties and his eclectic combination of colors brought spontaneity and joy to all of us. And these simple yet significant ways presented a synergy of energy for all of us. And these eccentrics brought Michael to the forefront in planning and acting out the annual progress report to the IES. Only Michael could pull this off and be loved by all.

—Frank Florentine