This International Women’s Day, GBI is celebrating the women who are shaping the future of the built environment—not only through technical excellence, but through courage, curiosity, and a deep commitment to inclusion and impact.

In a recent live Q&A, Vicki Worden, President & CEO of the Green Building Initiative, sat down with 2026 Board Chair, Sumayyah Theron, for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and the realities of balancing ambition with family life.

Their dialogue offered powerful reflections on what it means to lead—at every level.

Q: Sumayyah, can you share a little about your background and what shaped your leadership style?

I’ve been in the sustainability and building science field for almost 25 years. My career has focused on sustainable design, decarbonization strategy, and green building certification.

Culturally, I’m half German and half Jordanian, and I’ve worked across continents and industries. I’ve experienced both belonging and isolation in professional settings. That shaped how I lead today.

Leadership, to me, means making sure the table is open—and meaningful. Inclusion can’t just be symbolic. Diverse voices need to truly add value and be heard.

Q: We often say, “everyone is a leader.” What does that mean to you?

Leadership is really a behavior. It’s not a title.

Regardless of your role, you can demonstrate leadership in how you approach your work—through integrity, curiosity, collaboration, and communication. Every role brings value. Every person contributes to the organization’s success. It’s always a collective effort.

Q: Were there mentors or relationships that influenced your path?

Absolutely. I’ve had what I call “personal cheerleaders” throughout my career—people I met through volunteer work and professional organizations who opened doors, challenged me, and connected me to opportunities.

I’m an introvert, so networking didn’t always come naturally. Walking into rooms where I didn’t know anyone was intimidating. But stepping out of your comfort zone pays off. Everyone has been in your shoes at some point.

Q: What stands out most to you about GBI’s mission?

The practicality and accessibility.

Sustainability can’t be limited to flagship projects or major markets. The power of GBI’s approach is that it provides scalable, implementable tools. It meets clients where they are and helps them improve over time. Sustainability is a journey, and progress matters.

Q: What does thoughtful leadership look like at the board level?

Stay technically curious. Think at the systems level. Connect sustainability to business realities.

Board members govern, they don’t manage. That means asking hard questions, maintaining strategic discipline, and keeping a long-term vision. It also means remembering why we’re here: impact.

Q: What was it like starting your own consulting firm?

It was scary… when you’re a one-person business, you do everything: finances, HR, business development, client delivery. It’s humbling, but it taught me resilience and gave me perspective. I now have more empathy for leaders who balance competing priorities.

Q: Many of us are balancing career growth with family. How did you navigate that?

Honestly, it’s hard. The first time I traveled for a conference when my daughter was 18 months old, I stayed up until 3a.m. crying because I missed her. The mom-guilt is real, and it doesn’t completely disappear.

We don’t have family nearby, so my husband and I coordinate carefully and rely on trusted support. I involve my daughter in my work, send video messages, and explain why my career matters. You build routines and perspective over time.

Q: What advice would you give to early-career professionals?

Stay curious. Say yes—especially early in your career. You can say no later.

Saying yes connects you to people and projects that expand your knowledge and your network. And remember: sustainability isn’t just about carbon. It’s about people, health, equity, and long-term value.

Q: What is one way anyone, regardless of role, can demonstrate leadership?

Be prepared to talk about what you do and why it matters. Have an authentic elevator pitch. Represent your mission with integrity. Leadership shows up in daily behavior, in how you communicate, collaborate, and uphold your values.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate women who model courage, integrity, and inclusion—and the collective effort required to advance sustainability in the built environment.