Design Leadership Foundation
Our Vision: The Design Leadership Foundation’s vision is to mentor, support, welcome and uplift talent, youth and people within the global architecture and design fields.
Our Mission: The Design Leadership Foundation’s mission is to ensure a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the fields of architecture and design. We believe, at a young age, everyone should be able to envision themselves in the professional fields of architecture and design no matter their race, gender, creed or background. The DLF seeks to create new opportunities and exposure for historically marginalized and vulnerable groups to better unify the world of design.
Incubator Program
The Design Leadership Foundation is excited to announce more details about our incubator program at Mississippi State University!
With our big DLF goal of leveling the playing field in design education to create an inviting and supportive path for BIPOC students in extreme need — we developed 4 key programs to reduce the financial and emotional burdens on students and their families and will help universities produce well prepared graduates that will enter the workforce as equals.
As technology is a fundamental aspect of any design student’s experience its become quite clear that the supplemental costs ($12k to $15k) is a key barrier to diversity in design and architecture programs. Students try their best to get thru the 4 or 5 year programs with inferior or borrowed computers/software, and little funds for materials that prevents them from equally competing. Our support will help students in need stay current with their technology and material needs.
Supplemental Costs Support will secure funds and resources to ensure the success of students with financial need by providing equal access to the full array of technology, materials, experiences, and opportunities.
2021 late Spring Online College Cohort Creation DLF/DLN members will work with a set of students across practices in an online group setting to build professional skills, portfolio review, resume and cover letter review, etc.
2021 Fall 2-3 day Professional Skills Workshop at MSU DLF/DLN member led guidance with students to develop organizational skills and cover letter, resumé and formal business writing skills, interviewing skills as well as portfolio/website design and development.
2022 Summer Course MSU in NYC: Faculty Led (US city travel-based) guidance for students to develop organizational skills, cover letter, resumé and formal business writing skills as well as portfolio/website design and development. This course would include DLN member office/project tours to make introductions, interviews and expose students to architecture and design at work.
Board
Thomas A. Kligerman
Co-President
Gloria Cortina
Co-President
Ron Woodson
Co-President
Liz Caan
Treasurer
Jaime Rummerfield
Richard Mishaan
Anthony Barnes
Rebecca Birdwell
David Stocker