03.18.25

IIDA Orange County Emerging Leaders 2025 – First Meeting of the Year

The IIDA Emerging Leaders recently had an inspiring evening at Tangram Interiors, filled with industry insights, mentorship, and networking. The event featured presentations from Jax DiBenedetto with Steelcase and Kim Keirstead with Designtex, offering an in-depth look at their companies and their impact on the design industry. Attendees then had the opportunity to engage with industry leaders in a panel discussion, where professionals shared career advice and answered questions from emerging designers.

The day concluded with a tour of Tangram’s showroom, giving attendees a firsthand look at innovative workplace solutions. From engaging discussions to behind-the-scenes exploration, the event provided a valuable glimpse into the future of design while fostering connections between emerging leaders and industry professionals.

Thank you to our host Sue Pursche at Tangram Interiors and to our sponsors Jax DiBenedetto with Steelcase and Kim Keirstead with Designtex. Thank you to our co-chairs Lisa Luttrell and Christie Porter and the rest of our panel: Angela Chiang, Anne Bretana, and Ashley Eckonrod.

Click here to see all the photos from the event. Photos provided by Anika Kronemann and Gina Fabiola.