Community Impact
Equity + Diversity + Inclusion
Opportunity to discuss and collaborate on current topics regarding Equity + Diversity + Inclusion within our industry and St. Louis community. Engagement with fellow industry organizations is vital to make future impact and effect change.
Environmental Impact
The goal of environmental week is to promote sustainability in our industry and community, an important aspect of the Interior Design profession.
About
Established in 2021, the IIDA Gateway Community Impact team is focused on bringing equity, diversity, & inclusion into each of our chapter programs, as well as increase community outreach and environmental impact opportunities.
Vision
IIDA Community Impact’s vision is to inspire positive change in our community, increase awareness through our resources and events, and lead the way for a better, more hopeful, future for everyone.
Events
See the events tab for more information on dates and how to sign up! Keep a look out for our monthly "Quick Tip" social media stories/highlights as a resource for all things Community Impact!
Community Outreach
Give Back Day includes volunteer opportunities in our St. Louis community. Volunteers will register for a volunteer opportunity in the morning followed by a celebration at a local park. This event is open to family and friends.
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Design Your World, St. Louis
We are proud to be a participating city of Design Your World! IIDA’s Design Your World is an education pipeline program driven by the mission to build equity and diversity in the design industry, by providing high school students with exposure to the possibilities of a career in design.
Sponsorship of Design Your World Alumni at the Maryville University Summer Programs
Our Community Impact committee has established an additional opportunity to strengthen the education pipeline to Interior Design. Last summer, we hosted a cohort of 27 students at St. Louis’s first annual Design Your World program at Washington University. Here, local High School students of all different backgrounds spent 2 weeks with instructors learning the ins and outs of Interior Design and Design Thinking. We ignited a passion for design that we want to stoke to increase the possibility of these students pursuing an Interior Design degree, and eventually a career in the St. Louis design community! This year, a portion of the IIDA Gateway Chapter Sponsorship will go towards sponsoring the Design Your World St. Louis alumni at the Maryville University of St. Louis summer programs. The Community Impact committee and IIDA Gateway Board of Directors will select and sponsor one student for the 2-week program and any/all alumni for the 1-day program.
Sponsorship of Underrepresented Students at Local Universities with Interior Design Programs
As part of our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the field of Interior Design, the IIDA Community Impact and Student Affairs committees are proud to announce the launch of a scholarship fund aimed at supporting underrepresented students pursuing careers in our field. Our goal is to help lessen the financial burden of attending university. We will work closely with local universities (Maryville, STLCC, SIBA, SUIC, SEMO, & Mizzou) to find deserving students for the scholarships.
Attendees registering for IIDA events will have the opportunity to contribute to the Scholarship Fund through a dedicated ticket type. Additionally, a donation button is now available on the Community Impact tab of our website. Your generosity is crucial in making this initiative a success! As the scholarship fund builds, we will get a better understanding of how much of an impact we can make. We will keep you informed as we know more!