Date: August 11th, 2023
Location: Cosentino DC
Led by: Brittney Sooksengdao, Dominique Serrette
Session Sponsor: Chesapeake Lighting, Armstrong, Maharam, Nolan Brands, Cosentino DC
Session Downloads: Session Program

Overview

Session 6 was the first session in the history of the CKLDP DC to focus specifically on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. The day began with an activity for scholars to better understand each other on an interpersonal level. The middle of the session centered on a workshop that developed skills to promote a more diverse and inclusive design process. A panel discussion at the end of Session 6 allowed scholars to learn from industry change-makers with a broad range of professional experiences.

Presentation #1

“Stand Up If”
Speakers: Nicole Kumar, PHR, NOMA

Led by Nicole Kumar, PHR, NOMA, of Gensler, the opening portion of Session 6 prompted scholars to gain a better awareness of each other’s lived experiences through a “Stand Up If” activity. When a statement was read, those in attendance either stood or remained seated
to express how they related to the topic. The pace of this activity ebbed and flowed, pausing for conversation and reflection depending on responses to the topic at hand. This activity allowed scholars and the AdComm team to learn a bit more about each other outside of our professional lenses.

Presentation #2

Language, Intention & Prayer: A Design Equity® Services Advisory Workshop
by Determined by Design®
Speakers: Sequoyah Hunter-Cuyjet

Sequoyah Hunter-Cuyjet of Determined by Design led a two-part workshop that taught scholars about creating equitable design concepts through using more inclusive, unified language and site analysis research that puts people at the center of the design process. The workshop included a presentation on intentional language and how it has been incorporated into Determined by Design, a group activity focused on research around the history and culture of Miami’s Overtown neighborhood, an exercise to determine the language of a design concept and its intention, and the depth behind Determined by
Design’s concept for Sawyer’s Walk in Overtown.

Presentation #3

Panel Discussion: Change-makers
Speakers: Hazel Ruth Edwards, Ph.d., FAICP; Aristotle “Ari” Theresa; Mika Naraynsingh, AIA, LEED AP BD+C; Allie O’Neill

Our final activity, a panel discussion focused on change-makers, featured industry leaders Dr. Hazel Ruth Edwards, Aristotle Theresa, Mike Naraynsingh, and Allie O’Neill. Facilitated by session leaders Brittney Sooksengdao and Dominique Serrette, the discussion touched on topics such as navigating discrimination in the workplace, who should be initiating ED&I practices in a firm, and taking action to create change. Panelists encouraged scholars to get involved at the community level, make space for themselves and others to make mistakes, and to speak up when their interests aren’t respected.