In Case You Missed It
"Equity” is often the “elephant in the room." Last month’s virtual event “Intro to Equity for Lighting Professionals” presented by the IESNYC Illuminating Equity Task Force in collaboration with Equity in Lighting (EIL) brought what is typically a tough, closed-door conversation to the forefront and addressed it head on. The program was the first to be presented by an EIL Partner Organization and was viewed by over 100 people from across the United States and Europe.
“We were pleasantly surprised by the high turnout," says Brigid Hardiman, chair of the Illuminating Equity Task Force. “It showed us that these issues matter to more of us than we realize. If everyone who attended the event takes steps to increase the DEIB in their environments, and encourages their peers to do the same, the positive change will be exponential.”
Our keynote, Jarik Conrad, Ph.D., an esteemed HR professional shared his approach to discussing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). He was later joined by Dominique Davis (Hydrel), Yena Han (Moxie Lighting), Tanya Hernandez (Acuity Brands), and Alana Shepherd (Intangible Light), who graciously shared their personal and professional experiences as members of underrepresented groups working in the lighting industry. Their one-word takeaways at the conclusion of the program were optimism (led by Jarik), empowered (led by Dominique), encouraged – with an emphasis on courage (led by Tanya), grateful (led by Alana), and human (led by Yena).
The IESNYC enthusiastically supports equity. We were heartened to receive so much positive feedback after the event and have made the program available for all to view on the IESNYC website
We hope you will share this program with your family, friends, and associates, as DEIB effects everyone, not just members of the lighting community.
“The event was exactly what EIL was hoping it would be, says Elaine Cook, a founder of EIL. Jarik Conrad eased any tension out of the topic which allowed the presenters and the audience to open up and absorb the range of different perspectives being shared. Huge thank you to everyone who helped organize and participate in the event.”
