230: Ben Johnston & DuVal Reynolds | DAA, Diversity Advocacy Alliance

This episode is presented in partnership with the High Point Market Authority's Diversity Advocacy Alliance, a group dedicated to advancing, improving, and supporting diversity by cultivating a welcoming environment and expanding representation of the BIPOC community within the home furnishings industry and its leadership.
Today we welcome Ben Johnston, chair of DAA, and DuVal Reynolds, past chair and founding member. Together, they share the mission of the Diversity Advocacy Alliance, what it means to them, and the impact DAA is making on the industry. We also discuss the role that High Point Market Authority played in championing the implementation of DAA, the leaders who are keeping the momentum going, and what the future holds for this valuable association.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover the mission of the Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) and how the organization is working to expand BIPOC representation and create a more inclusive home furnishings and interior design industry.
• Learn how High Point Market Authority helped establish DAA and how an initial advisory committee evolved into an organization driving meaningful industry change.
• Hear Ben Johnston and DuVal Reynolds share their personal journeys with DAA and the experiences that inspired their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Explore DAA's growing impact through educational panels, networking opportunities, mentorship initiatives, industry events, and its annual Open Arms, Mentorship, and Social Responsibility Awards.
• Find out how DAA's transition into an independent nonprofit organization will create opportunities for expanded programming, partnerships, fundraising, and volunteer involvement beyond High Point Market.
• Discover practical ways interior designers can champion diversity through intentional sourcing, inclusive hiring practices, mentorship, and advocating for underrepresented professionals.
• Hear how Ben's advocacy helped create a historic opportunity for designer Arianne Bellizaire and why using your influence to open doors for others can have a lasting impact.
• Gain insight into the progress being made toward a more inclusive design industry, from increasingly diverse representation at High Point Market to new opportunities for BIPOC designers and future generations of creative professionals.
NOTABLE QUOTES
• "I know that every door doesn't have to be kicked down. Sometimes you can just knock to say, 'Hey, is there space to have a conversation?' And go from there."
• "So use your platform to lift up other people."
• "I think there are so many ways in business that you can promote diversity. One is just you could start sourcing from BIPOC entrepreneurs"
• "With simple moves, simple actions, intentional changes do make a difference. That's all you have to do."
SUPPORTING RESOURCES
• Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) Website: diversityadvocacyalliance.org
• Diversity Advocacy Alliance Instagram: instagram.com/diversityadvocacyalliance
SPONSOR LINKS
• Diversity Advocacy Alliance (Episode Partner): diversityadvocacyalliance.org
• Design Manager: designmanager.com
• DesignSpec: designspec.com
• Interior Design Society (IDS): interiordesignsociety.org — Use code DBSG75 for $75 off a new membership.