Diversity in Design: Discussing Today’s Current Issues + the Actions We All Can Take (Watch)

During this past Detroit Month of Design presented by Design Core Detroit, Design Milk sponsored a special event called DID in Detroit: Creating an Inclusive Design Ecosystem, hosted by Diversity in Design (DID) Collaborative. Moderated by Todd Palmer, the Director of DID Collaborative, the engaging discussion explored the importance – and current lack – of diversity in the design industry through the perspectives of the group of panelists. This panel included Forest Young, Head of Global Brand Design at Rivian; D’Wayne Edwards, Founder of PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy; Yocasta Lachapelle-Sawney, Director of Talent at COLLINS; Jasmine Stein, Associated Director of Strategy at 2×4; and Ackeem Salmon, Art Teacher at Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences. Watch the entire discussion here:

The panel starts by celebrating each Black creative who expands on their unique design pathways, backgrounds and expertise in the field The discussion then shifts into addressing the obstacles each one faced, reflecting the current system disparities found within the design industry today. Hopeful for a more inclusive future for Black designers, the panelists provide guidance for aspiring young designers and transformative actions we all can take to make design more accessible to all.

Todd Palmer, Director of DID Collaborative

Forest Young, Head of Global Brand Design at Rivian

D’Wayne Edwards, Founder of PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy

Yocasta Lachapelle-Sawney, Director of Talent at COLLINS

Jasmine Stein, Associated Director of Strategy at 2×4

Ackeem Salmon, Art Teacher at Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences

Learn more about the Diversity in Design (DID) Collaborative here.