A CHAPTER OF IMPACT: REFLECTIONS ON MY TIME WITH THE DIVERSITY ADVOCACY ALLIANCE AT HIGH POINT MARKET

Founded in 2022, the Diversity Advocacy Alliance has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career. As my term as a founding member comes to a close at the end of 2025, I find myself reflecting on the depth, purpose, and impact of this work.

From the beginning, the initiative was rooted in possibility. We didn’t simply imagine a more inclusive and representative design industry, we committed to the work of building it, step by step. And what a journey it’s been!

The Mission of the DAA

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.

Some of my favorite highlights from this chapter:

• Being part of the brilliant hearts and minds of the founding group that brought this vision to life has been an absolute honor.

• Collaborating with the Mayor of High Point, Cyril Jefferson, who’s now running for U.S. Congress (talk about movers and shakers!), alongside the entire High Point Market Authority executive team and the incredible folks at ChangeOften, has been a powerful way to amplify the mission from day one. 

• Partnering with incredible vendor allies and industry leaders who shared our commitment to equity and inclusion.

• Witnessing the shift in who shows up at High Point Market - who performs, who keynotes - and seeing more Black and Brown artists and leaders take the stage has been incredibly meaningful. Knowing we helped create space for that evolution is something I’m deeply proud of. We had the honor of sponsoring Shark Tank’s Daymond John as keynote speaker at the High Point Theatre.

• We also sponsored the electric bassist Nik West on Center Stage. Yes, she played with Prince, and yes, it was as iconic as it sounds.

• Serving on the subcommittee that co-created the DAA Awards ceremony - including the Open Arms Award, Mentorship Award, and Social Responsibility Award - has been one of the most meaningful parts of this journey.

• Collaborating with local High Point product designer Jeremy Kamiya to create an iconic award that will continue to honor changemakers for years to come… I’m incredibly proud of that legacy.

• Leading market tours for designers of color and design students of color—helping them navigate and feel seen in a space that hasn’t always reflected them.

• And being a panelist at our inaugural DAA event at Congdon Yards—an epic turnout that truly set the tone for everything that followed.

It’s been an honor to contribute to something that has not only shifted the landscape of our industry, but also left a lasting mark on my own heart.

While this chapter comes to a close, the work continues. I’m excited to watch the next generation of leaders step into this space with fresh energy and bold vision—continuing to push boundaries and open doors, just as we set out to do from the beginning.

To the High Point Market Authority, Change Often, and every person I’ve had the joy of working alongside: thank you. Your belief, action, and collaboration made this work possible.

I’ll be cheering from the sidelines, watching with pride as the Diversity Advocacy Alliance continues to grow and evolve.

Below, I’m sharing a collection of images from the past DAA Awards and Mixer held at Pandora's Manor and the J.H. Adams Inn—moments that capture the joy, creativity, and sense of community that have defined this journey.

As I give my final hugs and bisous, I’m also including a photo of the fellow DAA members whose terms are coming to a close this year—an inspiring group of leaders I’ve been deeply grateful to serve alongside. Here’s to bold beginnings, meaningful collaboration, graceful exits, and the kind of legacy that continues to ripple outward long after the chapter closes.

If you’re a designer, brand, or industry partner who feels aligned with the mission of the Diversity Advocacy Alliance, join the community! To stay in the know about upcoming initiatives, events, and community updates, sign up for the DAA quarterly newsletter.

Join the community and learn more at High Point Market's website: https://www.highpointmarket.org/DiversityAdvocacyAlliance

With grace and deep gratitude, - Rachel Moriarty