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From Home Furnishing Business

HPMA Diversity Advocacy Alliance Announces Award Recipients

September 23, 2024  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

Upholstery brand Verellen will receive the Open Arms Award, awarded for inclusivity and warm hospitality towards all showroom visitors regardless of race, gender or orientation. The award also honors the High Point Market exhibitor’s commitment to supporting diversity through its employment practices and marketing materials.

Houston-based interior design entrepreneur Rhonnika Clifton will receive the Mentorship Award, which recognizes industry leaders who share their knowledge to foster success for established and next-generation professionals. This award recognizes Clifton’s proven history of offering guidance, support and mentorship to emerging designers from underrepresented communities.

Jane Dagmi, managing director of High Point by Design (HPxD), will receive the Social Responsibility Award, celebrating professionals or companies advocating diversity beyond the High Point Market trade show experience. The award recognizes those individuals who drive innovation, creativity and unique perspectives within the industry.

An open call for award nominees was published this spring.

The DAA Mixer takes place from 5 - 6:30pm, with the Awards Presentation at 5:45pm. Pandora’s Manor is located at 407 W. High Ave.

“Diversity is prioritized in the home furnishings and design sectors thanks to many voices and changemakers,” says Patti Carpenter, principal of carpenter + company and DAA committee chair. “We can’t wait to honor the individuals and brands that help us achieve our organization’s goals.”

“The inaugural DAA awards is an impactful way to celebrate inclusivity within our industry,” says Tammy Covington Nagem, HPMA president and CEO. “HPMA is committed to supporting the DAA’s mission to cultivate an uplifting environment for all High Point Market attendees. We are excited to recognize these award recipients at Fall Market.”

The DAA was established in 2022 to advance, improve and support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the home furnishings sector. With thirteen founding members, the organization is managed by the social innovation firm Change Often. The DAA mission statement reflects a commitment to expand representation of the BIPOC community, and to facilitate the implementation of equitable policies and practices throughout the industry and its leadership.

Additional information about DAA may be found at www.highpointmarket.org/DiversityAdvocacyAlliance.