The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has announced the inaugural launch of its Ones to Watch program, an initiative that seeks to ensure that diversity is reflected at all levels of the design industry.
"ASID recognizes and supports the need for greater diversity in the design industry," said Randy Fiser, ASID CEO. "Through the Ones to Watch program, we hope to recognize and celebrate designers with an amazing potential to lead and support them as they develop successful management careers."
Supported by Steelcase, the ASID Ones to Watch program will recognize rising leaders in the interior design profession who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a willingness to push the boundaries of the industry. ASID will honor up to 20 applicants as ASID Ones to Watch award winners within four unique categories: Design Excellence, Education Leadership, Manufacturing Leadership, and Volunteer Leadership. Emphasis will be placed on applicants whose backgrounds are currently under-represented in management roles in the design industry, including women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ, and persons with disabilities.
Designers from every professional career stage are encouraged to apply. Awardees will gain national recognition while establishing valuable professional connections and accessing a variety of leadership opportunities. Additionally, ASID will select up to eight scholars to participate in a two-year leadership development training program that will educate them to lead with authenticity through experiential learning, coaching, and mentoring.
ASID will accept applications for the Ones to Watch program through April 26, 2017, and will announce the award winners and scholars at The Leadership Experience in San Diego, July 13- 15, 2017. To be eligible, applicants must be actively employed in and have five to fifteen years of experience in the interior design industry, and be on the path to a senior or executive-level position. Applicants must be part of an under-represented group in industry management roles including women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ, and persons with disabilities.