2024 Conference Schedule

We the people

Tennessee State University 3500 John A Merritt Blvd Nashville, TN 37209

March 14, 2024

Career Exploration Day at the State of Black Design Conference is designed to make design careers more tangible and to share information about roles, hiring pathways, expectations, and organization culture in order to broaden access to careers in design for all. 

Start your day with our engaging Hybrid Career Conversations, hosted by industry-leading companies, welcoming both virtual and in-person attendees.

Afternoon programming is open to all on-site conference attendees and registered members of the Nashville community. Explore interactive company booths, connect with seasoned design professionals for portfolio reviews, and gain invaluable insights into diverse career paths.

Bring your work for constructive feedback and ignite your career aspirations!

HYBRID WORKSHOPs

  • Description: There are a lot of design professionals out in the world and a lot of opportunities to get into this profession. But how do you get noticed? How do you position yourself for the job that really speaks to you—for a company where you’ll be able to grow and thrive? Join this Uber-hosted virtual workshop and learn to be seen and get hired.

    Hear from Uber sourcers, recruiters, and hiring managers on what they look for across Linkedin profiles, resumes, portfolios, and interviews, so you can set yourself up for success in your job hunt.

    Takeaways:

    • How to be seen: how to use available tools to set yourself apart

    • Get specific: how to curate your resume and portfolio for each job/company

    • Interview your best: what hiring managers are looking for in each practice

    • Hiring process: from application to your new job

    Presenters: Jennifer White, Uber Design recruiter + Erin St Pierre, Ubser Design recruiting sourcer + Mohini Vora, Uber Design Manager + Yoon Lee, Uber UX Research Manager + David Miller, Uber Content Design Manager + Erica Ellis, Uber Head of Product Equity Design

  • Description: In this virtual panel session, attendees will hear from Cisco professionals working in a variety of design functions in the Security Business Group.

    Takeaways:

    • How to uncover your strengths and discover what energizes you beyond the definition of your job title

    • How to approach your first and subsequent roles with a spirit of discovery

    • How to develop principles, tools, and processes that will serve you in all your future transitions (role to role, industry to industry, junior to leader)

    Participants: Jillian Haller, Cisco Product Design Manager, Panel Host + Carl Covington, Cisco Lead Product Designer + Zeke Binion, Cisco Lead Design Engineer + Amy Wandji, Cisco Senior Design Researcher + Lauren Monsein Rhodes, Cisco Senior User Researcher + Jaichaun Paige, Cisco Design Program Coordinator

  • Description: A discussion on the opportunities available and how to pursue design roles in the public sector.

    Participants: Brian Whittaker, Founder of Humans of Public Service, tech leader in government + Tony Vergara, Service Designer, Fearless + Eva Dransfield, Designer, U.S. Digital Corps + Frances Ylllana, Principal Manager, Design Operations, Coforma

  • Description: Let's take a deep dive into the journeys of five Black professionals in the product design industry. These practitioners, who represent various aspects of the field—from research and development to product management and content design—will share their unique career paths and strategies that they've used to navigate the product design industry. They will speak candidly about the challenges they've encountered, the opportunities they've seized to innovate and grow, and the viability and rewarding nature of a career in this industry. It's a must-attend for students and early career professionals interested in understanding and pursuing a career in the product design field!

    Presenters: Uzunma Kas-Osoka, Cisco Content Design Manager + Kenny Bangudu, Cisco UX Researcher + Tope Larayetan, Cisco Content Designer + Kiwane Garner, Cisco Software Engineer + Novia Fisher, Cisco Business Analyst

  • Description: This presentation discusses the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing world. We will highlight the need for a balanced lifestyle encompassing professional and personal growth.

    We will provide tips and tricks to implement within and outside work to enforce boundaries and embrace your true potential.

    Participants: Mariah Byron, UX Researcher, Cisco + Matt Alexander, Product Designer, Cisco

  • Description: A design learning challenge is an interactive workshop that allows youth to think like a designer, practice empathy, and expand their imagination through creative exploration.

    DESIGNEXPLORR’s design learning challenge exposes youth to design careers and creates an opportunity to think deeply about solving a problem using the six-step design thinking process.

    The Design Learning Challenge workshop pairs professional designers with students in grades 6-12 to solve a social impact topic together.

    This workshop produces a physical (or digital prototype) and concludes in a shared collaborative experience where students reflect and present their design results.

    Workshop Leader: Jacinda Walker, Founder + Creative Director

Participating companies & Organizations

What design careers are we
highlighting specifically?

Graphic and visual designers, Web designers, UX/UI designers, Product designers, Design researchers, Industrial designers, Interior designers, Fashion, strategic design.

March 15, 2024

In-Person WorkShops

In-person workshops will be conducted concurrently in various rooms, each dedicated to a specific focus.

  • Through platforms such as Uber Rides and Uber Eats, Uber has become a platform that positively transforms the way transportation systems and food systems operate in society.

    The purpose of this activation will be to examine the ways in which the built environment has

    historically excluded Black people through the design of transportation systems and food

    systems. It will also be a space for Black designers to reflect on what it looks like for us to design a society that recenters us.

    Facilitator: Jacquelyn Iyamah

  • Description: The "Mixtape Manifesto" workshop mixes in the social determinants of design, while also mic checking how stereotypes and myths influence the essence of Blackness in the design world. While we may not unravel all the complexities in our time together, YOU WILL LEAVE WITH YOUR OWN PHYSICAL MIXTAPE — a guide as you continue to shape your personal state of Black Design in your communities. This manifesto is a call to action for Black designers, faculty, and staff to “Git Up, Git Out, and Git Something” (Goodie Mobb, 1994) in this one of a kind design sprint. Yes, “a time will be had” however, the “Mixtape Manifesto” is just beginning. The rhythm is yours to make and take for what lies ahead as you 'ease on down the road' (The Wiz) back to your communities to lead your future design endeavors.

    Workshop Leader: Milan Drake, Stanford d.School

  • Description: Explore the artistry behind crafting visually striking letters and discover the fundamental principles that shape effective typographic compositions. From mastering various lettering styles to understanding the nuances of typeface selection, participants will embark on a creative journey to enhance their design skills and unlock new possibilities for expressive communication.

    Workshop Leaders: Cymone Wilder, Amazon Web Service and David Jon Walker, Rhealistic Design

  • Description: this workshop, attendees will learn differences between User/Design Research methods and how to select the right method for a study. Attendees will then compete in a “Metagame” to put their knowledge to the test. This workshop is open to all disciplines and levels of UXR knowledge.

    Workshop Leader: Hope Idaewor, Uber

  • Description: In this workshop, facilitated by fashion designer Andrea Pitter, attendees will explore their unique path to avoid the pitfalls of imitation, understand the motivations behind their ambitions, embrace the grind while acknowledging progress to recognize when you're living your dream and understand how fear is like a guide pushing you toward goals.

    Workshop Leader: Andrea Pitter, Fashion Designer and founder of Pantora Bridal

  • Description: In her book Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World, Jessica Bantom presents the six habits of culturally competent designers as behaviors designers can adopt to engage in a brave new dialogue where identity and culture are no longer taboo; they're actually embraced and celebrated in day-to-day interactions – with customers and clients, and among colleagues.

    This workshop will feature a combination of knowledge sharing and group discussion.

    Workshop Leader: Jessica Bantom

  • Description: This workshop is for rebellious thinkers and confident creators, welcome to our lively and enlightening Brand DNA Design Workshop! Dive into the vibrant world of branding, breaking the shackles of convention and embracing your authenticity.

    Workshop Leader: Farrah Morgan

  • Description: Discover the intersection of artificial intelligence and inclusivity in our transformative workshop focused on the responsible use of AI in digital imagery to enhance minority representation.

    Join a panel of AI Artists as they navigate the nuances of AI-induced bias and demonstrate cutting-edge imaging technologies that champion diversity.

    Participants will engage in a hands-on prompt engineering session, designed to empower creators to generate AI prompts that celebrate the richness of black and minority cultures.

    This interactive workshop also provides critical skills in bias detection and correction, offering practical strategies to ensure AI-generated content promotes equity and representation.

    Workshop Leaders:

    Dr. Robbie Melton, Interim Provost and VP of Technology Innovations for (AI) at TSU

    Dr. Ramona Wiggins, Director of Graduate Admission and AI Fellow and Artist

    Dr. Denise Malloy, Executive Director of HBCU Coding & Creativity and AI Fellow and Artist

    Mr. Bryson Scott, Smart Technologist and AI Animated Artist

  • Have you ever found yourself at the crossroads of self-doubt and aspiration, wondering how to make your mark in the design space? If so, then this talk is for you. Through personal anecdotes and actionable insights, we aim to motivate and guide aspiring designers to embrace their identities, fuel their creativity, and confidently pursue their passions in the ever-evolving design space. Join us as we unravel the essence of making your mark in the design world, transforming challenges into a playbook for success.

    Workshop Leader: John Ferguson, Work & Co.

Main Stage

Main stage activities will be available to both in-person and virtual attendees.

  • Presenter:

    Dr. Learotha Williams, Jr., African American, Civil War and Reconstruction, and Public History at Tennessee State University

  • Panelist: 
    Ericka Huggins, Human rights activist, poet, educator, Black Panther Party leader and former political prisoner.
    Aida Mariam Davis, Decolonize Design.

  • Panelist:

    Ritesh Gupta, Useful School

    Marshall “Mr. P” Pollard, The Creative School

    Tracey L. Moore, Interim Director of Art Prairie View A&M

    Milan Drake, Stanford d.School

    Moderator: Kaleena Sales


  • A creative exploration of black designs presented in the format of a PechaKucha presentation. The structure involves participants delivering presentations on their work, accompanied by a carefully curated soundtrack.

    Participants:

    Kyra Wells, American Greetings

    Sophia Little, Essence Ventures

    Andrea Pitter, Pantora Bridal

  • Michael J. Ewing, Associate Curator Frist Art Museum and LaJuné McMillian, Multidisciplinary Artist and Educator, in coversation.

  • Panelists:

    Leah Alexander, Owner and Principal Interior Designer, Beauty Is Abundant

    Marryam Moma, Tanzanian-Nigerian Collage Artist

    Jessica Bantom, DLR Group

    Moderator: Daijah Bleu

March 16,2024

  • This workshop explores how Intuit enables design teams to elevate their craft through innovation and to exceed business goals, drive end-to-end consistency, and deliver at speed by championing scalable processes, building cross-functional partnerships, and promoting a culture of belonging.

    Workshop Leader: Justin Whitehead

  • This slightly satirical workshop and discussion session will provide participants with knowledge about how (and why) people across a large portion of the professional design landscape decide NOT to interview prospective job applicants.

    Examples of poor resumé writing and design, along with ineffective portfolio design, bland LinkedIn profiles, “deadly” social media posts, and poorly planned and executed attempts at networking will be used to guide group activities and discussions. Workshop participants will learn how to communicate about themselves in ways that ensure others effectively perceive their WORTH and their WORTHINESS.

    Workshop Leader: Michael Gibson

  • Description: This workshop is designed to equip you with the tools to make impact and change within your local community to address disparities within the Architecture profession.

    Workshop Leader: Dawn Mayes

  • This is an immersive collage making workshop that transcends artistic boundaries, blending the rich themes of the State of Black Design Justice and Afrofuturism. This unique experience offers a creative space to explore, express and celebrate the intersection of art, culture and social justice.

    Workshop Leaders: Marryam Moma and Jennifer White-Johnson

  • Description: This workshop will explore the dynamic journey of cross-functional collaboration in the tech industry, specifically focusing on the development of new features from ideation to launch.

    This session will provide valuable insights into the intertwined roles of design, development, and user feedback in creating impactful digital products.

    Workshop Leader: Glenn Dixon, The Black Codes

  • This workshop will highlight how self-care is a critical component in doing work purposively, authentically, and a form of resistance. Self-care is important because of prevailing mindsets of oppression that resulted in colonization and racism of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people.

    This session will help participants:

    1. Recognize our social structures are rooted in historical and spatial contexts.

    2. Learn how to design a self-care approach and practice using the Boundaries, Alerts, and Limits Framework.

    3. Realize resiliency realms are all around us and can be leveraged to prioritize self-care.

    Workshop Leader: Sharon Attipoe-Dorcoo, Adjunct Professor at Texas Woman’s University & Principal of TERSHA LLC

  • Participants in the workshop will define their core values and establish boundaries as designers by crafting a paper zine.

    Workshop Leader: Zariah Cameron

  • Gain insight into Elle Danielle's approach to making clients comfortable in posing, while learning how she analyzes natural light and makes the most of on-location settings. A female model and real couple will be the subjects of this Guided photo walk around Tennessee state university’s campus.

    Workshop Leader: Elle Danielle

  • Unlock the power of LinkedIn and turn connections into opportunities with 'Link Up & Stand Out'. Guided by YaniqueDaCosta, whose own LinkedIn mastery has unlocked multi-thousand dollar contracts, this workshop offers a no-nonsense approach to elevating your design career.Yanique, a graphic design virtuoso with a legacy of leadership and innovation, distills her years of experience into practical, actionable strategies. This session is more than just profile polish; it's about leveraging LinkedIn to showcase your unique skills and catch the eye of those who matter.

    Workshop Leader: Yanique DaCosta

  • Through platforms such as Uber Rides and Uber Eats, Uber has become a platform that positively transforms the way transportation systems and food systems operate in society.

    The purpose of this activation will be to examine the ways in which the built environment has historically excluded Black people through the design of transportation systems and food systems. It will also be a space for Black designers to reflect on what it looks like for us to design a society that recenters us.

    Facilitator: Jacquelyn Iyamah

In Person Workshops

  • Description: A creative exploration of black designs presented in the format of a PechaKucha presentation. The structure involves participants delivering presentations on their work, accompanied by a carefully curated soundtrack.

    Participants:

    Brandi Greene, Work & Co

    Aladrian Goods, INTUIT

    Calvin Robertson Jr., Best Buy

  • Panelists:

    Michael Held, VP, Global Design, Steelcase

    Wes Eugene, SVP, North America, HIT Global

    Brian Rice, 3M

    Moderator: Kevin Bethune

  • Description: A creative exploration of black designs presented in the format of a PechaKucha presentation. The structure involves participants delivering presentations on their work, accompanied by a carefully curated soundtrack.

    Participants:

    LeXander Bryant

    Xavier Payne

    Dawn Mayes

  • Dori Tunstall will bring her anthropologist’s lens to the State of Black Design. Her leadership in the movement to decolonize design will inform her comments on equity, inclusion, and diversity and the opportunities ahead for redesigning our world.

  • Celebrating standard bearers in the design community.

  • Black Opry is an American music collective. It was founded by Holly G. as a means of raising awareness for Black musicians in country music.

Main Stage