IDSA created the Women in Design Committee in 2021, because gender disparity exists in our profession. Read on to understand more about the role of the committee.
Vision
Our vision is to enable women in the industrial design community to grow stronger ultimately reaching parity for all gender identities within Industrial Design.
Mission
The Women in Design National Committee aims to create more equitable design opportunities for all gender identities. We will unify and amplify the voices of female designers, share knowledge and expertise, and build lasting networks by supporting the founding of chapters across the US by women, non-binary people, and equity allies.
Key Tasks
At the direction of the Board of Directors, the WIDC, through leadership of its Chair, will:
- Provide mentoring and support to Women in Design Chapter leaders
- Review and assist with the approval of new city-based Women in Design Chapter groups
- Foster an inclusive and supportive environment for Women in Design Chapter Leaders and those who participate in Women in Design programming
- Collaborate, coordinate, and align efforts with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council (DEIC) on IDSA’s DEI goals pertaining to Women in Design
- Elevate issues of importance to the Board of Directors for consideration, feedback, and action
- Assist with the curation of speakers and content for IDSA’s Women in Design Deep Dive event, in collaboration with the IDSA events staff
- Assist in identifying future committee members to replace those whose terms have ended
Committee Members
Chair
Central District
Midwest District
Elham Morshedzadeh, Ph.D., IDSA
South District
Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman, IDSA
Northeast District
West District
Committee Composition
This 7-member committee shall be comprised of a Chair (from any of IDSA’s districts), one member from each of IDSA’s districts and the Chapter Director on IDSA’s Board of Directors. All members, with exception to the Chapter Director will be female-identifying. A goal of the Committee should always include a representative composition of womxn design leaders with various cultural backgrounds, identities, and abilities. Further, Committee members should represent a wide spectrum of industry experience.
To qualify to serve on the Committee, individuals should (suggested experience):
- Hold a current IDSA professional membership and be eligible to serve per IDSA’s Bylaws.
- Have prior experience leading a team and mentoring others in a professional setting.
- Have a demonstrated ability to inspire and support others.
- Prior IDSA chapter leadership experience is a plus.