Diversity Advocacy Alliance

Aligned for Change at High Point Market and Beyond

HPMKT Diversity Advocacy Alliance

The Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) is dedicated to advancing, improving, and supporting diversity by cultivating a welcoming environment and expanding the representation of the BIPOC community within the home furnishings industry and its leadership. In partnership with the High Point Market Authority, we intend to amplify these voices, implement equitable practices and policies, and demonstrate authentic representation within our community.

HPMKT Authority
Change Often

A Letter from our Chair

Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I extend to you a warm and enthusiastic welcome to the Diversity Advocacy Alliance. At the heart of our community lies a powerful commitment: to advance, improve, and support diversity by cultivating a welcoming environment and expanding the representation of the BIPOC community within the home furnishings industry and its leadership.

In collaboration with the High Point Market Authority (HPMA), we are dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, fostering equitable practices and policies, and embodying authentic representation across our industry. These efforts are critical as we foster a community and marketplace that celebrates inclusion in all its forms.

Ben Johnston

Spring Market 2026 Events



An Evening of Connection



Sunday, April 26
5pm - 7pm
Eichholtz
129 S. Hamilton St.

Step into an inspired evening presented by the Diversity Advocacy Alliance, where community, creativity, and inclusive industry advancement take center stage. This reception gathers emerging and established professionals in the Eichholtz showroom for intentional conversations, collaboration, and cultivating lasting relationships, strengthening the collective impact of diverse voices within the design sector. Hosted by Eichholtz.

No RSVP necessary. This event is open to all Market attendees.


Insider Access Experience: Growth Tactics for Interior Designers


Christi Barbour

Christi Barbour

O. Stephanie Beverly

O. Stephanie Beverly

Marie Cloud

Marie Cloud


Ben Johnston

Kelly Finley

Ben Johnston

Ben Johnston

Victoria Sanchez

Victoria Sanchez


Monday, April 27
8:30am-12:30pm
The Lofts at Congdon Yards
400 W. English Rd.

Slowdowns are inevitable. Success is optional. Join the Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) for an exclusive, two-part experience designed to sharpen your business acumen. We'll kick off with a panel discussion featuring industry experts who will share their experiences and insights on building their businesses, brand partnerships, and positioning themselves for growth. Following the panel, you will pivot to a hands-on workshop for intimate access to these experts, covering critical topics such as business development, job management, fee structures, purchasing, and financial systems. Open to those with buyer passes. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.


DAA Videos

Enjoy this video compilation from past DAA projects and our Portraits of Success video series.

Aligned for Change at
High Point Market and Beyond

Explore how the Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) is championing inclusion and change — not only during the bustling weeks of High Point Market, but far beyond.

Insider Acess Experience

Great design empowers designers and communities—both on a local and global scale.

Meet DuVäl Reynolds

Discovering Identity Through Design

Taking the time to shape your identity, both personally and professionally, will help you achieve your full potential. Tune in as trailblazing interior designer DuVäl Reynolds talks about how his personal journey equipped him to build (and sustain) his self-made business.

Lean in to who you are.”

Alliance Members

Ben Johnston

Ben Johnston*

Benjamin Johnston Design
Chair

Victoria Sanchez

Victoria Sanchez

Victoria at Home
Vice Chair

Christi Barbour

Christi Barbour*

Barbour Spangle Design

Michael Bauer

Michael Bauer

Feizy Rugs

O. Stephanie Beverly

O. Stephanie Beverly

Twelve15 Design Studio

Patti Carpenter

Patti Carpenter

carpenter + company/
Trendscope

Rhonnika J. Clifton

Rhonnika J. Clifton

R J Clifton Designs

Marie Cloud

Marie Cloud

Indigo Pruitt Design Studio

Rhobin DelaCruz

Rhobin DelaCruz

Rhobin DelaCruz Designs

Tanya Lewis

Tanya S. Lewis

Austin Gray Design Group

Sydney Wells Martin

Sydney Wells Martin

Sherrill Furniture

Don Ricardo Massenburg

Don Ricardo Massenburg

DESiGN iNKREDiBLE

DuVäl Reynolds

DuVäl Reynolds

DuVäl Design

*HPMA Board Member

Past Chairs

  • DuVäl Reynolds - 2025
  • Patti Carpenter - 2022-2024

Past Alliance Members

  • Arianne Bellizaire
  • Everick Brown
  • Lisa Walker Brown
  • Dudley Moore
  • Rachel Moriarty
  • Tiffany Parsons
  • Ashley Ross
  • David Santiago
  • Alex Shuford III
  • Carisha Swanson

Past Award Winners

Each Fall Market, DAA is privileged to honor well-deserving members of our industry
with our signature awards program. Nominations open each summer.

Open Arms Award

Varaluz /
Varaluz Casa

Verellen

Mentorship Award

Monique Nicole

Rhonnika Clifton

Social Responsibility Award

The Design Besties

Jane Dagmi