Diversity Advocacy Alliance
Aligned for Change at High Point Market and Beyond
The Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) is dedicated to advancing, improving, and supporting diversity by cultivating a welcoming environment and expanding the representation of the BIPOC community within the home furnishings industry and its leadership. In partnership with the High Point Market Authority, we intend to amplify these voices, implement equitable practices and policies, and demonstrate authentic representation within our community.
Insider Access Experience Featuring
Corey Damen Jenkins
Erika Hollinshead Ward
Mikel Welch
The Insider Access Experience is an initiative run by the Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) to fulfill their mission of advancing, improving, and supporting diversity by cultivating a welcoming environment and expanding the representation of the BIPOC community within the home furnishings industry and its leadership.
We have a line-up of amazing experts for Fall Market - Corey Damen Jenkins, Erika Hollinshead Ward, and Mikel Welch. They will each welcome a group of 5 participants to shadow them for a 2-hour experience at HPMKT. Eligible participants include business owners who have been approved for a Fall 2024 High Point Market buyer pass or collegiate-level students pursuing a design-related degree whose professor has registered them for a Fall 2024 High Point Market student pass.
The application deadline of September 20 has passed. Submissions are no longer being accepted.
DAA Mixer and Awards Presentation
Sunday, October 27
5pm-6:30pm - Mixer
5:45pm - Awards Presentation
Pandora's Manor | 407 W. High Ave.
Join us on Sunday, October 27 as DAA presents awards to stakeholders within the home furnishings industry who exemplify characteristics that demonstrate a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The following awards will be presented at the Fall 2024 DAA Awards Mixer.
Open Arms Award
Verellen
This prestigious award celebrates and recognizes an exhibitor/showroom that sets the gold standard for inclusivity and warm hospitality towards all visitors, irrespective of their race, gender, or orientation. It goes beyond merely accommodating different buyer pass types (retailers vs. designers) and instead focuses on embracing diversity through employment, diversifying marketing materials, extending a warm welcome to all Market attendees with legitimate business intentions, and fostering a sense of belonging for all individuals who enter the showroom.
Mentorship Award
Rhonnika Clifton
This esteemed award honors individuals who actively contribute to the industry by sharing their knowledge and experience to foster the growth of the existing and next generation of professionals. The recipient of this award not only recognizes the importance of representation but also demonstrates dedication and leadership in their mentorship endeavors. They have a proven track record of providing guidance, support, and mentorship to fellow and emerging designers and colleagues from underrepresented backgrounds.
Social Responsibility Award
Jane Dagmi
Celebrating individuals or companies that act as activists for positive societal change, the Social Responsibility Award champions inclusivity beyond High Point Market season. This award recognizes those who actively embrace and promote diversity, empowering designers from diverse backgrounds and acknowledging the significant role that diversity plays in driving innovation, creativity, and unique perspectives within the industry. The award also acknowledges showrooms and other entities that demonstrate a commitment to being good neighbors by giving their time, talent, or resources for the benefit of the BIPOC community within the industry at large.
Portraits of Success
There are myriad paths to success – all of which are infused with our own personal experiences. Tune in as some of the members of the DAA share how different elements from their own stories inspired career choices, business growth, and individual development.
Meet DuVäl Reynolds
Discovering Identity Through DesignTaking the time to shape your identity, both personally and professionally, will help you achieve your full potential. Tune in as trailblazing interior designer DuVäl Reynolds talks about how his personal journey equipped him to build (and sustain) his self-made business.
Lean in to who you are.”
Meet Patti Carpenter
Following the Path to PassionNo matter what life stage you’re in, it’s never too late to pursue your dream job. Join design visionary Patti Carpenter as she shares how trusting her instincts gave her the confidence to pursue her passions and shift her career path.
Meet Everick and Lisa Brown
Trusting the Fear of FailureTrue progress cannot be achieved without making mistakes along the way. Listen as seasoned designers Everick and Lisa Brown discuss how to build unshakable confidence from the rubble of failure.
Partner with DAA
If you are interested in partnering with or supporting DAA, please complete this interest form.
Members of the DAA committee will review received inquiries on a monthly basis and then be in touch.
Would you like to learn more or share your thoughts with the
Diversity Advocacy Alliance? Please complete and submit the form below.
Alliance Members
Christi Barbour*
Barbour Spangle Design
Arianne Bellizaire
Arianne Bellizaire Interiors
Everick Brown
Everick Brown Interior Design
Lisa Walker Brown
Everick Brown Interior Design
Patti Carpenter*
carpenter + company/
Trendscope
Ben Johnston
Benjamin Johnston Design
Tanya S. Lewis
Austin Gray Design Group
Rachel Moriarty
Rachel Moriarty Interiors
Tiffany Parsons
Student
DuVäl Reynolds
DuVäl Design
Ashley Ross
Muse Noir Interiors
Victoria Sanchez
Victoria at Home
Carisha Swanson
House Beautiful
*HPMA Board Member