Career Spotlight – Vanessa Macedo

We caught up with our Design Associate, Vanessa Macedo, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2025 on 8 March, to ask her some questions about her career experiences as a woman in the lighting industry.

Vanessa studied Product Design at college and has a degree and a Masters in Interior Design, achieved in her native country, Portugal. After moving to the UK, she began her career as a lighting designer creating designs across the residential, commercial, healthcare and workspace industries. Vanessa holds a substantial level of knowledge in decorative lighting pieces. She brings this to the John Cullen team, offering an ability to find a perfect centrepiece for a space. Her combination of interior design and lighting design experience allows her to use her expert eye to create amazing spaces for her clients.

As a woman, celebrating International Women’s Day holds deep personal meaning. It’s not just about acknowledging the progress we’ve made; it’s a reminder of the battles women before us fought for basic rights—like voting, education, and workplace equality—that we now take for granted. It’s a day to honour the strength, resilience, and achievements of women throughout history and recognize the incredible contributions we continue to make in every aspect of life.

International Women’s Day also serves as a moment to reflect on the challenges that women still face today, such as the gender pay gap, limited access to healthcare, and the persistence of harmful stereotypes. By celebrating this day, we not only show solidarity with each other, but we also empower ourselves to keep pushing for progress and equality.

For me, it’s a chance to connect with other women, share our stories, and celebrate our achievements, no matter how big or small. It’s about acknowledging how far we’ve come while understanding that the fight for equality isn’t over. International Women’s Day reminds me that our voices matter, our contributions are invaluable, and together, we have the power to create lasting change.

As a woman in the lighting design industry, navigating this field presents unique challenges, often shaped by deeply ingrained societal norms and gender expectations. The lighting design sector, like many areas of the creative and technical industries, has historically been male-dominated, which can sometimes create barriers for women striving to make their mark.

One of the most significant challenges is the lack of representation. As a woman in lighting design, it can often feel like a struggle to find role models and mentors who share similar experiences. This lack of visibility can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of support, making it more difficult to advance and succeed in a field where male colleagues may be more readily recognized or promoted.

Another challenge is navigating bias, both overt and subtle. Women in lighting design might face assumptions about their abilities or their place within a technical field. They may be taken less seriously or face scrutiny for taking on leadership roles, even when they demonstrate expertise and capability. This can lead to feelings of imposter syndrome or frustration, especially when their contributions are overlooked or undervalued.

In addition, the work-life balance can present difficulties. The demands of a career in lighting design—long hours, tight deadlines, and the need to travel for projects—can sometimes conflict with personal or family responsibilities, especially for women who may be expected to take on caregiving roles at home. This can result in women feeling torn between their professional aspirations and personal lives, often leading to burnout or the feeling that they have to choose one over the other.

Despite these challenges, many women in the lighting design industry continue to break barriers, push boundaries, and pave the way for future generations. By addressing these issues head-on, advocating for more inclusive environments, and supporting each other, women can continue to make their voices heard and reshape the industry for the better.

I would like to shine a light on all the amazing women on the Women In Lighting global community, for all they support and work through the years to help all the female newcomers to feel supported.

They are all excellent friends, colleagues, mentors and supporters and they all deserve the spotlight.

To encourage more women to pursue careers in the lighting design industry, we should focus on increasing visibility by showcasing successful female designers, offering mentorship and networking opportunities, and promoting STEM education to spark early interest. It’s also important to address gender bias and create inclusive, supportive work environments where women feel valued. Celebrating diverse perspectives, providing flexible career paths, and offering scholarships or financial support can further help break down barriers and encourage women to enter and succeed in the field.

To all the incredible women out there pursuing their dreams: never underestimate the power of your own voice and abilities. The path to success may not always be smooth, but remember that every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to speak up, take risks, and advocate for yourself—your ideas and contributions are valuable.

Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, colleagues, and friends who lift you up and encourage your growth. Seek out role models, but also remember to be one for others. The more we support each other, the more we create an environment where women can thrive together.

Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. The most successful people aren’t those who never fall, but those who rise every time they do. Trust in your own strength, keep pushing forward, and remember that your journey is uniquely yours. Success isn’t just about reaching the top, but about enjoying the process, learning from it, and becoming a stronger, more empowered version of yourself every day.

Discover more about International Women’s Day here.