by HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point Market Authority has formed a Diversity Advocacy Alliance to advance, improve and support diversity, equity and inclusion within the home furnishings industry.
DAA is made up of 14 founding members, including three from the current HPMA board of directors roster, and is managed by social innovation firm Change Often.
The group’s mission statement communicates its commitment to expanding representation of the BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) community and facilitating the 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 chief executive officer. “HPMA is aligned with the DAA mission to cultivate a supportive environment for all Market attendees.”
“We’re excited to partner with DAA, to listen and learn, and to foster inclusivity throughout High Point Market and the broader industry,” added Conley.
The group also has scheduled its first public event, which is open to registered High Point Market attendees. This inaugural diversity and inclusion panel discussion, organized in partnership with HPMA, will take place at 4 p.m. Oct. 23 at Congdon Yards, 410 W. English Road.
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.
It aims to identify what “authentic representation” within the business community entails and conclude with a 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 + company 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,” Carpenter added. “Change that will impact us all and make for better business in the future.”
Following the panel discussion, a networking reception with light refreshments begins at 5 p.m. and will include participation from the full roster of DAA committee members:
Christi Barbour*
Everick Brown
Lisa Walker Brown
Patti Carpenter
Ben Johnston
Dudley Moore Jr.*
Rachel Moriarty
Tiffany Parsons
DuVäl Reynolds
Ashley Ross
Victoria Sanchez
David Santiago
Alex Shuford*
Carisha Swanson
*HPMA board member
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.
