NeoCon Talks: The Benefits of Failing

Let’s talk about failing and why it is so important to personal growth!  Join us on Tuesday, June 11th on the 7th Floor of the Mart from 2:30 – 2:50 PM to discuss the benefits of failing. 

Fail! Fail! Fail! It’s the magic of moving forward. Failure fosters growth and agility in our personal development. However, too often we see an inequality in how failure is perceived amongst design careers. Let’s break the cycle! Come listen as designers and workplace strategists share their stories of understanding and embracing their failures while pivoting towards success.

About the Speakers

Andrea Alaownis, WELL AP – Interior Designer and Group Leader, Jacobs

Andrea is an interior designer with the Jacobs Boston office. She has concentrated on commercial projects at Jacobs through all phases of planning, design, and construction since graduating Radford University in 2007. As a WELL Accredited professional, she participated in assisting the Jacobs Boston office to achieve WELL V1 Gold, Fitwel 3 Stars, and LEED V4 Gold certifications and continues to educate the design community and clients on wellness through design. 

She currently resides in Rhode Island and leads a group of extremely talented interior designers, architects, and lab planners in the Boston, Massachusetts office.

Jovana Abu-Ali, LEED AP, AIA – Interior Design Lead, Jacobs

Jovana is diversely trained Interior Designer, Licensed Architect and Design Leader with 15 years of international experience.

Based out of Boston Jacobs office, Jovana has worked on a range of projects at a variety of scales, contexts, and types. Her most recent design work focuses on Workplace Design, Workplace Strategy, New Ways of Working, and Life Science.

Born and raised in Belgrade- Serbia, Jovana moved to the USA to join Interior design industry in 2007. After completion of her second Master’s degree, she has had an opportunity to work and serve different market sectors – ranging in project sizes and team structures. She quickly gained valuable experience by pushing the boundaries of the profession and developing both as a diverse designer and skilled team leader. 

In addition to NCARB and USGBC LEED AP Certifications, Jovana is Registered Architect, and a full AIA member since 2013.  She is a proud mom of a brilliant 8-year-old boy; fluent in English and Serbian, and  enjoys ballet practice, healthy food styling and travel.