Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
HPMA and Diversity Advocacy Alliance Announce Inaugural Awards
May 14,
2024 by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry 
In partnership with the Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA), High Point Market Authority (HPMA) announces the call for nominations for three inaugural diversity awards, open now through June 14.
The Open Arms Award will recognize a High Point Market exhibitor which sets the gold standard for inclusivity and warm hospitality towards all showroom visitors, irrespective of their race, gender, or orientation. Exhibitor nominees should additionally demonstrate a commitment to supporting diversity through its employment practices and marketing materials.
The Mentorship Award will honor industry individuals sharing their knowledge and experience to foster the growth of existing and next-generation professionals. The recipient of this award should demonstrate dedication and leadership in their endeavors, with a proven track record of providing guidance, support, and mentorship to emerging designers from underrepresented backgrounds.
The Social Responsibility Award will celebrate individuals or companies which act for positive societal change, and champion inclusivity beyond the biannual High Point Market events. This award will recognize those empowering designers from diverse backgrounds and acknowledging the significant role that diversity plays in driving innovation, creativity, and unique perspectives within the industry.
More details regarding award criteria and a link to the nomination form is located on the Diversity Advocacy Alliance page of the High Point Market website. The form includes a field to write in 500 words or less why the proposed nominee should receive this award. Award winners will be announced during the Fall Market.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion in the home furnishings industry is made possible through many voices and stakeholders,” says DuVäl Reynolds, a DAA founding board member and principal of interior design firm DuVäl Design. “We’re excited to recognize the individuals and brands at High Point Market doing their part to support our goals.”
DAA was established in 2022 to focus on advancing, improving and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the home furnishings sector. The organization is made up of thirteen founding members and is managed by the social innovation firm 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 inaugural DAA awards reflect a new way to amplify and celebrate diversity within our industry,” says Tammy Nagem, HPMA president and CEO. “HPMA is fully aligned with the DAA mission to cultivate a supportive environment for all High Point Market attendees, and we look forward to announcing the 2024 award recipients in October.”