Fostering design talent through mentorship.
The mission
An initiative dedicated to increasing racial equity and diversity within the design profession by providing education, exposure, mentorship from design professionals, and practical experiences for historically excluded youth.
Through collaboration with corporations, educational institutions, and design professionals, DxD fosters a more inclusive and equitable design industry, empowering designers of color throughout their careers.
Impact
Co-built the Intensives collaboration program
Featured in the Design = Curriculum Kit
Appointed to the advisory council
Design Advocacy
My journey with Diversify by Design (DxD) began in 2023 through a Workday mentorship program.
Volunteering was deeply personal because it involved my alma mater, SF State University. It was a chance to support students who sat in the same seats I once did.
Initially, I helped designers navigate the tech industry. My role evolved into program building through collaborative brainstorming with Kelli W., Workday’s liaison, and the DxD team.
It was humbling when Andréa P., DxD's co-founder, affirmed that my contributions were instrumental in building the program into what it is today. We refined the Intensives framework, which has now supported over 200 students in partnership with 53 industry mentors.
Representation Matters
I was honored when the Director asked me to share my story in the Design= Curriculum Kit.
This project introduces middle and high school students from historically excluded communities to design. It was a humbling experience to show students and parents of color that a creative career is a viable, attainable goal.
"An experiential learning initiative focused on introducing the world of design to historically excluded youth and expanding the impact of D×D’s youth program partners."
Strategic Influence
Joining the DxD Advisory Council is a major milestone. It validates my commitment to the next generation of BIPOC designers.
Through this partnership, I can influence the industry to increase representation and move the needle on professional equity.
Through this partnership, I can influence the industry to increase representation and move the needle on professional equity.
"The passion, dedication, and experience he brings to mentoring the next generation of designers is invaluable to the coalition."
Andréa Pellegrino
Founder