Nicole, The Design Besties and Varaluz/Varaluz Casa will receive DAA awards during market. Image courtesy of the HPMA.
The High Point Market Authority’s Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) will honor Varaluz/Varaluz Casa, Monique Nicole and The Design Besties with Diversity Advocacy Alliance Awards during High Point Market next month.
Varaluz/Varaluz Casa will receive the Open Arms Award, awarded for inclusivity and hospitality towards all showroom visitors regardless of race, gender or orientation. This award also recognizes the High Point Market exhibitor’s commitment to supporting diversity through its employment practices and marketing initiatives.
Business coach and interior decorator Monique Nicole will receive the Mentorship Award, which honors industry leaders who share their knowledge to foster success for established and next-generation professionals. This award recognizes her history of offering guidance, support and mentorship to emerging designers from underrepresented backgrounds.
The Design Besties – Whitney Atkinson, Rhobin DelaCruz, Lori Johnson and Nikki Watson – will receive the Social Responsibility Award, honoring industry leaders or companies who advocate diversity beyond the High Point Market trade show experience. The award spotlights individuals who drive community, innovation and unique perspectives across the industry.
“Each market season, many in our industry seek to progress in reflecting the diverse perspectives, design and people that it serves,” said DuVäl Reynolds, founder and principal designer of DuVäl Design and DAA committee chair. “This fall, we can’t wait to honor the leaders who actively strive toward this goal within the home furnishings community at large.”
“The DAA awards celebrate the individuals and organizations which ensure a welcoming and inspiring experience at High Point Market,” said Tammy Covington, HPMA president and CEO. “HPMA is proud to support the DAA’s commitment to cultivating equity and representation throughout the industry, and to recognizing the trailblazers.”
The presentation ceremony and mixer will be held at JH Adams Inn on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.
The DAA was established in 2022 to advance, improve and support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the home furnishings sector.
