The Fabric of our Society

November 2021

Illuminating Equity Task Force

Brigid Hardiman
Lightcraft
IESNYC Board Member

I think my most important project since joining the board last year has been assembling the Illuminating Equity Task Force. As leader of this task force, I also serve as the IESNYC Board liaison to our affiliate, the Equity in Lighting initiative (EIL). To demonstrate our commitment as a partner of EIL, our task force has pledged to coordinate with our existing committees to host at least three events focusing on diversity in the coming year. The first event will be an “Intro to Equity for Lighting Professionals” seminar in February. This will be a comprehensive introductory seminar to help make the social justice landscape in lighting a little less intimidating. To learn more about EIL and get involved, visit equityinlighting.org

This is also my seventh year with the Student Lighting Competition. It’s my second year as the Board advisor and liaison after two years as co-chair. The competition is one of the greatest passions of my career - creating a space that fosters the expansive and progressive future of light and design. This Spring we are hoping to return the competition to a hybrid version of an in-person format, while keeping some elements from last year that made our virtual event so special. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, please scope out the 2021 projects at studentlightingcompetition.org

Now on a personal note…the following may seem like a strange thing to share in newsletter to a professional community, but that’s what we are: a community. I am currently beginning the process of returning to work after a leave of absence for my mental health. This is making a very long story short, but this past year, I have felt myself crashing. I figured if 2020 didn’t break me, nothing would, so I was still taking on new projects and initiatives even when I knew I should slow down. In August I ended up in an ambulance and spent the night in the CCU. My cardiologist cleared me quickly, but my mental health was at an all-time low and I lost the ability to function at a basic level. I knew it was time to hit the brakes. I have made immense progress since then and I know I couldn’t have done it without having the time to focus on mental health treatment and healing.

I am sharing this story because our community is not just about volunteering. I want you to know that there are people who will support your need to take care of yourself—just like my company and the board of managers have done for me. Needing a break from your profession doesn’t mean that you love it any less. Recognizing that you could be doing more doesn’t mean that you’re not doing enough.