High Point Market Authority Announces Diversity Advocacy Alliance

October 10, 2022  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Industry   

DAA is managed by Change Often. The group’s mission statement reflects a commitment to expanding representation of the BIPOC community and facilitating the implementation of equitable policies and practices throughout the industry and its leadership. 

“The Diversity Advocacy Alliance is a welcome initiative to amplify diverse voices at High Point Market,” says Tom Conley, HPMA president and CEO. “HPMA is aligned with the DAA mission to cultivate a supportive environment for all Market attendees.” 

“We’re excited to partner with DAA, to listen and learn, and to foster inclusivity throughout High Point Market and the broader industry,” adds Conley. 

Hosting its first event open to registered High Point Market attendees, DAA launches its inaugural diversity and inclusion panel discussion, organized in partnership with HPMA, at Congdon Yards, 410 W. English Road, on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 4 p.m. 

Panelists include members of the DAA committee and representatives of the BIPOC design community Patti Carpenter (moderator), Everick Brown, Rachel Moriarty, Ashley Ross, and Victoria Sanchez. 

The talk will aim to identify what authentic representation within the business community entails and conclude with conversation about the role cultural design will play in its growth. 

Patti Carpenter, principal of carpenter + company and DAA committee chair says, “This is a very necessary initiative. It affects our lives and our livelihoods, but most importantly it affects our entire creative community.“ 

“We know that issues around these topics are present, and it's incumbent upon us to work together to make real and lasting change,” adds Carpenter. “Change that will impact us all and make for better business in the future." 

Following the panel discussion, a networking reception with light refreshments begins at 5 p.m., and will include participation from the full roster of DAA Committee Members: 

Christi Barbour* 

Everick Brown 

Lisa Walker Brown 

Patti Carpenter 

Ben Johnston 

Dudley Moore* 

Rachel Moriarty 

Tiffany Parsons 

DuVäl Reynolds 

Ashley Ross 

Victoria Sanchez 

David Santiago 

Alex Shuford* 

Carisha Swanson 

*HPMA Board Member 

Representatives from Change Often will be on hand to answer questions and to provide information and resources. To learn more, visit the High Point Market website.