December Professional Member of the Month

Jessica Reinert

AIA Iowa

Executive Director

1. What is the most exciting and energizing aspect of your current position?

The most energizing aspect of leading AIA Iowa is working with our member volunteers. Each member has such a passion for what they do and the profession of architecture, seeing that motivates me to keep moving forward with the work I do at the Chapter.

2. What was the last interesting podcast you listened to?

Anything and everything by Brene Brown, her research is fascinating to me and I find her podcasts and books thought-provoking as well as inspiring.

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

The professional accomplishment that I am most proud of is earning the CAE, the American Society of Association Executive’s Certification of Association Executives credential. For association professionals, passing this exam is a similar accomplishment to passing the ARE in the architecture profession.

4. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

My advice would be to look towards other leaders, female or male, that are trustworthy and genuine in their interest in mentoring you and truly want to see you succeed.

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you? 

I am thankful to have many positive female role models in my life. The first for me was my Grandmother, Clara Berensmann. She was born in 1909, graduated from high school in 1928, and went on to college from there, which was rare for a woman to do during that time. After one year of college, her family asked her to return home and help her family, so she was not able to graduate. Growing up aware of this, her story was part of what inspired me to attend college. My graduation was partially for her, in a way I finished what she had started.