[ad_1]
HIGH POINT — The High Point Market Authority has formed the Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA), created with a focus on advancing, improving and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion within the home furnishings sector.
DAA is made up of 14 members, including three from the current HPMA board of directors, and is managed by social innovation firm, Change Often, a group that expands representation of the BIPOC community and facilitates implementation of equitable policies and practices throughout the industry and its leadership.
“The Diversity Advocacy Alliance is a welcome initiative to amplify diverse voices at High Point Market,” said Tom Conley, HPMA president and CEO. “HPMA is aligned with the DAA mission to cultivate a supportive environment for all market attendees.”
Hosting its first event open to registered High Point Market attendees, DAA launches its inaugural diversity and inclusion panel discussion, organized in partnership with HPMA, at Congdon Yards, 410 W. English Road, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23.
Panelists include members of the DAA committee and representatives of the BIPOC design community Patti Carpenter (moderator), Everick Brown, Rachel Moriarty, Ashley Ross and Victoria Sanchez.
The talk will aim to identify authentic representation within the business community and conclude with conversation about the role cultural design will play in its future growth.
“It’s been my sincere pleasure to work with HPMA and this team of BIPOC creatives on the DAA,” said Patti Carpenter, principal of Carpenter + Co. and DAA committee chair. “This is a very necessary initiative. It affects our lives and our livelihoods, but most importantly it affects our entire creative community. We know that issues around these topics are present, and it’s incumbent upon us to work together to make real and lasting change.”
DAA committee members include:
- Christi Barbour*
- Everick Brown
- Lisa Walker Brown
- Patti Carpenter
- Ben Johnston
- Dudley Moore*
- Rachel Moriarty
- Tiffany Parsons
- DuVäl Reynolds
- Ashley Ross
- Victoria Sanchez
- David Santiago
- Alex Shuford*
- Carisha Swanson
*HPMA Board Member
Following the panel discussion, a networking reception with light refreshments begins at 5 p.m. Representatives from Change Often will be on hand to answer questions and to provide information and resources.
The event is located in The Commons area on the ground floor of Congdon Yards and is open to all registered attendees. To learn more, visit the High Point Market website.
See also:
[ad_2]
Source link
