Diversity Advocacy Alliance

Aligned for Change at High Point Market and Beyond

Diane Keaton
HPMKT Diversity Advocacy Alliance

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.

HPMKT Authority
Change Often
Keynote Miranda Kerr
Keynote

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 Design

Taking 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 Passion

No 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.

Hold true to what you are really believing in your gut because that’s led me to some of the most interesting places in my life.”

Meet Everick and Lisa Brown

Trusting the Fear of Failure

True 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.

I think it’s really important that young designers understand that this is a business and you are an entrepreneur.”

The Value Proposition of Market: Cultivating, and Stewarding Diverse Market Relationships

Arianne Bellizaire, Arianne Bellizaire Interiors
Kathy Kuo, Kathy Kuo Home
Joanna Saltz, House Beautiful
Moderated by: Ashley Ross, Muse Noire Interiors

This panel shares their experiences, strategies, and best practices for cultivating and nurturing relationships that resonate across a variety of market segments. During this discussion, our panelists offer practical insight on how they have adapted their Market schedule to align with the goals set for their business. You won't want to miss this masterclass on leveraging every moment the largest international home furnishings market has to offer, from planned heavy hitter events, to chance encounters. Presented by Universal Furniture in partnership with the Diversity Advocacy Alliance.

This launch pad panel is the first installment of a new initiative from DAA's education and engagement community. Our series aims to level the playing field by closing the business education gap across diverse communities in the industry.

Exploring Industry Career Opportunities

Discover the diverse world of careers in home furnishings. Follow along as a group of local high school students explore the myriad of professional paths within this dynamic industry. Engaging with a variety of professionals at Market, from social media experts and marketing gurus to client relations specialists and influential publishers, these students delve into the richness and variety of roles that shape the home and design landscape. Join them on their journey to uncover the unique opportunities and stories of individuals who have carved out their own niches in this vibrant field.

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

Christi Barbour*

Barbour Spangle Design

Arianne Bellizaire

Arianne Bellizaire

Arianne Bellizaire Interiors

Everick Brown

Everick Brown

Everick Brown Interior Design

Lisa Walker Brown

Lisa Walker Brown

Everick Brown Interior Design

Patti Carpenter

Patti Carpenter*

carpenter + company/
Trendscope

Ben Johnston

Ben Johnston

Benjamin Johnston Design

Tanya Lewis

Tanya S. Lewis

Austin Gray Design Group

Rachel Moriarty

Rachel Moriarty

Rachel Moriarty Interiors

Tiffany Parsons

Tiffany Parsons

Student

DuVäl Reynolds

DuVäl Reynolds

DuVäl Design

Ashley Ross

Ashley Ross

Muse Noir Interiors

Victoria Sanchez

Victoria Sanchez

Victoria at Home

Carisha Swanson

Carisha Swanson

House Beautiful

*HPMA Board Member