April 29, 2025

Forsyth Tech’s own Karyn Reilly, Associate Professor of Interior Design, has been recognized as a 2025 WOW Award Nominee by the WithIt Women’s Leadership Development Network. The prestigious nomination acknowledges Reilly’s dedication to mentoring in the interior design industry—guiding both students and professionals as they navigate education, career decisions, and personal growth.

“I’m honored by this WithIt mentoring nomination,” Reilly shared. “I was nominated by one of my students, so it’s very humbling.”

For Reilly, mentoring is more than a professional obligation—it’s a personal passion. While her teaching happens inside the classroom, she sees mentoring as what happens beyond it. “Mentoring is different from teaching; it’s what happens outside of the classroom,” she explained. “It’s short-term and long connections—from recent graduates of various colleges to experienced designers looking for advice and direction for a career change.”

Reilly’s mentoring efforts are far-reaching. “For me, it’s dozens of new connections in a year and my chance to give back to the industry.” She helps others explore opportunities, shift directions, and find new confidence as they grow their careers. And in doing so, she reflects on how others once did the same for her.

“I heard someone call mentoring the bridge between experience and potential. What a great statement,” she said. “Like most of us, I’ve been gifted with a connection that led to a new field, new interest, even a new job. Those mentors throughout my career were critical to my success in both big and small ways.”

Reilly sees mentoring not just as a way to help individuals, but as a way to strengthen the entire field of design. “Mentoring creates ripples that extend far beyond individual careers. Each person I’ve mentored goes on to influence others, creating a continuous cycle of growth and support throughout our industry,” she said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of that powerful chain of connection.”

The WOW Awards, hosted annually by WithIt, celebrate women in the home and furnishings industry for excellence in leadership, education, mentoring, and innovation.

Forsyth Tech is proud to see Karyn honored for her work and leadership—and even prouder to call her one of our own.