“How I got into Lighting” by Ade Wilson

The DEIR in Lighting working group is a coalition of lighting industry thought leaders – designers, manufacturers, educators, advocates, and change makers – working collaboratively to leverage existing and new efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect (DEIR) in the lighting industry.

July 2024's DEIR in Lighting newsletter spotlighted BUILD member Ade Wilson who shared her journey into the lighting industry and what she has learned about representation and mentorship.

One of our favorite quotes from Ade:

"Representation and mentorship from organizations like WILD and NOMA are critical to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in any profession, let alone the lighting profession. Culturally, our perspective and life experiences are different, and women and people of diverse ethnic heritage have always been innovative and have brought creative solutions to global problems.

Mentorship creates real-life professional growth experiences that connect individuals with the opportunity to identify with a possible future self through realistic examples. Seeing and working with others from my cultural background makes me feel personally valued and culturally accepted. When I see fellow designers with whom I share cultural similarities, I feel that my perspective and walk of life is important and will be considered when making decisions that affect an entire community.”

Check out her story: DEIRNews_July24_072924 FINAL.pdf