From the LightFair blog (February 24, 2021):
Our vision of serving as a global platform for lighting innovation would not be possible without a vibrant and diverse lighting community offering a broad range of perspectives and expertise.
In honor of Black History Month, we profile inspiring lighting industry leaders who share their views on representation, opportunity, diversity, inclusion, equality and offer glimpses into their own journey.
We are grateful to Tanya Hernandez, Peter A. Hugh and Lauren Dandridge Gaines for participating in our series, and sharing their stories, voices and inspiration with us. Their thoughtful posts offer plenty to reflect on. While there are encouraging signs of positive change in our industry, true change only comes about when each one of us commits to being open-minded, checking inadvertent bias, and speaking up on behalf of someone who may not have representation at the table.
Do check out the inspiring posts from each of these amazing lighting industry leaders and voices:
- Inclusion, Opportunities and Ownership: Encouraging Diversity, Representation and Inclusion in the Lighting Industry – Tanya Hernandez, PE, LC
- Incorporating Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Respect (DEIR) into the IES Culture – Peter A. Hugh, IALD, IES
- Diversity is a Push for Opportunity – Lauren Dandridge Gaines, LC, IES
Peter Hugh, Committee Chair
Hugh Lighting Design
I joined this committee on the belief that the lighting profession is a better one when we are a profession of all people regardless of their diverse make up. The knowledge bases, experience, cultural values, and expertise that all people can bring when provided equal opportunities to contribute only further adds to the credibility and strength of the IES. As the nation, and indeed the world continues to evolve and become one world, the IES must similarly evolve and take a good hard look into the mirror, determine how we can grow in knowledge and tolerance to be a better Society and role model.
Mariel Taviana Acevedo
SOLUS
We cannot be the group that writes the Recommended Practices for lighting for everyone, when everyone is not part of the process. The needs and preferences of different groups need to be part of the scientific and academic studies, the voices and experiences of everyone need to be part of the committees and the faces of everyone should be part of our leadership, presenters and participants. Helping the IES establish policies that will make this happen is why I joined DEIR.
Edward Bartholomew
Bartholomew Lighting
I wanted to be a part of DEIR because it corresponds with what I have fought for and experienced my entire career. To me, diversity is more than just increasing the proportion of non-white, non-male members of an organization. I believe that a design firm should have diverse and just practices. Diversity and inclusion are critical to a design practice that effectively furthers justice in demonstrable ways: The power, position, and influence of its leadership and staff. How it represents itself and promotes its values. The type of clients and projects it pursues or rejects. And, how it effectively serves under-represented communities through an inclusive design process with a genuinely diverse design team. Based on this definition, diversity as a practice is anti-racist.
Bernadette Boudreaux
DLC
In the future I will be graduating from the EP program and intent to establish myself as an industry recognized resource in relation to the DLC and other energy and diversity related activities. Since I have been fortunate to have great mentors/support, I intend to offer the same to the new generation of EPs by sharing experiences, knowledge, and resources. As a black woman, I have also recognized the need for more diversity and inclusion, and I intend to be a change-agent and very active in this arena for our industry. I want to be example to EPs and young brown girls that there is opportunity in lighting, and you can be successful. I hope to assist and work with the various organizations to ensure there are processes/tools in place that ensure more groups will be included and supported.
Rita Harrold
Rita Harrold became the first woman President of the IES in 1985, seventy-nine years after the IES was established.
James Potts
Salty Raven
I am serving on the DEIR committee as a liaison to the IES Board in my Board Officer role as Treasurer. My mission is to assist with needs that require Board interaction or communication to insure the success of the goals DEIR put forward. I am firm believer in this Committee and feel the needs to reach everyone that is participating, utilizing and influenced by the IES has fair and equal voice available to them. Focusing on equality for all is always something that should be continuously sought and improved as needed. IES is and will be available to all.
Susanne Seitinger, PhD
Verizon
As the new IES president, I'm honored to serve as a liaison to the DEIR committee. As a board member over the last several years, I've seen the Society pivot to a more open and inclusive approach to all our programming, policies and procedures. I'm also convinced that our strategic advocacy plan reflects this evolution and prepared us to make some decisive statements during the pandemic in response to protests on racial justice in 2020. I'm proud to have been part of these efforts in a small way and I appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow with the incredible founding members of the IES DEIR committee.
Elizabeth Williams
Illuminart
I know what it’s like to be disrespected, just for being who I am. I want to do everything I can to prevent others from feeling that way. I believe that diversity education, equity and inclusion must become integral to our professional environments, and that the key to doing so is making a commitment to ourselves and each other to listen, learn and grow from challenges. I am proud to embark on this vital endeavor with the IES DEIR Committee.