06.20.23
The Conversation Continues with IIDA SoCal EDI
IIDA Southern California Chapter EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) seeks to create a more diverse industry for our future. We explore how to break glass ceilings, show that all voices matter, and explore a world where we can grow, learn, and make impactful change in our design industry. Our hope is to dialogue together, in a safe environment, about EDI in our industry, to promote meaningful, healthy, and effective transformations on how we practice and create interior design. The Conversation Continues podcast was created to serve as a platform to continue the conversation around Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in commercial interior design and affiliated industries. Each episode brings an intimate and thought-provoking conversation around EDI highlighting individuals from our industry. Come join us, and let’s continue the conversation!
Take the Road Less Traveled with Jade Li
For the first episode of the Beyond Words Series, we invited Jade Li, our current President of the IIDA Southern California Chapter to share her personal stories. (Fun fact, Jade is the first AAPI President elected for IIDA Southern California)
Don’t be Afraid to Fail with Von Dominguez
For the second episode of the Beyond Words series, we invited Von Dominguez – interior designer, architect and full-time professor at Cal State Long Beach.
Multicultural Perspectives in the World of Lighting with Katherine Rentner
Katherine, a seasoned lighting specialist based in Los Angeles, began her journey in the United States at the age of 22, where she completed her engineering degree in Miami, Florida. We discussed the unique challenges of learning and translating industry-specific jargon in different languages, and she shared how acting classes aided her in improving her public speaking skills. Katherine also offered insights into the pros and cons of her multicultural background, both in her work and personal life, making for a rich and insightful conversation.
The Beyond Words Series is sponsored by OFS Brands – Imagine a Place.
Fireside Chats
This is the trailer to explain the Fireside Chats series. Fireside Chats is an educational series about advocacy and legislative efforts in California. It will cover how you can learn more about what advocacy in our industry is, how important it is for everyone to be involved and how you can help make a difference.
The History of Legislation in California with Susanne Molina
Curious about the history of Interior Design in the State of California? Wondering why we need to advocate for our profession? Well, join us in this episode as we dive into the nitty gritty and interview Susanne Molina, FIIDA, CID, LEED AP about past, present, and future efforts to establish legislation for Interior Design. Tune in to Episode 1 of Fireside Chats!
The Life of a Lobbyist and IIDA’s Legislative Future
Have you ever wondered how to create change? Join us for an interview with IIDA’s lobbyist, Full Moon, as we discuss what it means to be lobbyist, how IIDA is leveraging their service, and exciting news about the impact IIDA is driving in the design industry.
Living Your Truth
Resilience and Grace: Cheryl Durst’s Path to Living Authentically
In a candid and inspiring conversation, design industry leader Cheryl Durst, Vice President and CEO of IIDA, opens up about her remarkable journey of breaking barriers and living authentically. From humble beginnings as a substitute teacher to taking the helm of a major association during a financial crisis, Cheryl shares how she navigated challenges with grace, whether facing discrimination as a Black woman leader or balancing her career with raising two children. Sponsored by Taylor Design.
Design Moms in Motion: Juggling Career and Family
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are dedicating a special episode to the remarkable women who excel in the roles of both designers and mothers. These ‘design moms’ are the epitome of multitasking, effortlessly juggling the demands of their careers and families. We are excited to shine a spotlight on their incredible stories and offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of their lives.
“Living Your Truth” with Chidimma Abuka
In our first episode of Living your Truth we invited Chidimma Abuka who is Strategist at Gensler Orange County. Join us for the inspiring conversation of what keeps Chidimma moving and thriving, and how adversity has lead her to pursue her passions in life. You won’t want to miss it.
The Living Your Truth Series is sponsored by 9 to 5 Seating and Kaleidoscope Concept.
Open Mic
Benefits of Joining IIDA as a Student with Brett Shwery
In this exciting episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Brett Shwery, FIIDA, the President of the IIDA Southern California Chapter. Brett gives us an inside look into the various ways that IIDA can benefit students as they embark on their educational journey.
Be Thankful for the Journey with Christine Peter, Ind. IIDA
In this episode of Open Mic, we have the pleasure of delving into the fascinating journey of Christine Peter in the world of interior design. What makes her story unique is her transition from criminology to interior design.
This Industry Needs Diversity with Sergio Lechuga
Sergio Lechuga, the Director of Interior Design at HMC Architects, will be discussing the importance of diversity in the industry.
Let’s Talk Student Design Competitions with Charlene Reed
In this first episode of our series Open Mic we have Charlene Reed, the Interior Design program coordinator at Orange Coast College. She shares some insight on how a student design competition works.
The Open Mic Series is sponsored by Behr Paint.
Unspoken Words
Designing a Neurodiverse Workplace with Mike Goetz of HOK
This podcast is a preview to our in-person event on April 25th at the Kimball Showroom. We delve into a highly insightful and relevant topic that impacts a significant portion of the population, approximately 15-20 percent. So join us as we learn about neurodiverse design with Mike Goetz, IIDA, AIA, ASID of HOK.
“Ageism: Finding Common Ground” with Allyn Martin
Welcome to our first episode of our new “Unspoken Words” series! We had the pleasure of hosting Allyn Martin, the brilliant Learning Strategy & Experience Manager at Patcraft and Shaw Contract. Allyn’s special role involves fearlessly delving into difficult yet crucial topics that need to be understood. In this engaging episode, we explore the evolving workplace with diverse generations coexisting. How do these distinct generations come together as a cohesive team? Join us as we fearlessly confront the deep-rooted issue of Ageism in the workplace and seek to foster an inclusive and united workforce. Let’s unravel the layers of Ageism together and find common ground in this enriching conversation!
The Unspoken Words Series was sponsored by: Patcraft, 3form, Formica, PLP, Pallas Textiles and Crossville.
You can find The Conversation Continues on Apple, Spotify, Google, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.
Skill Set with Cheryl Durst
What are the skills that inform your work, your life, your direction? Call them street smarts, emotional intelligence, soft skills, or pure grit: beyond the degrees, certifications, and resume items lies a different — perhaps more important — world of abilities. These are the skills that truly make us good at what we do, and offer clues to who we are and where we might be headed.
Host Cheryl Durst, Executive VP, and CEO of IIDA has spent a lifetime fascinated by the backstories that reveal where those foundational skills come from.
With @skillsetpodcast, she taps into those stories to uncover the not-so-apparent abilities that power success.
Ever wonder what a NASCAR pit crew chief, an orchestra conductor and a surgeon have in common? Pondering how to tap your team’s hidden talents? Considering whether your own skills might equip you for a whole other career (or a whole other life)? SkillSet explores the fascinating landscape of talent, creativity, and ability through a lens that’s set to “wide-open and deeply curious.”
Come join us — and discover your own SkillSet along the way.
This podcast series is sponsored by OFS Brands – Imagine a Place.
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