HPMA’s DAA Announces Fall 2024 Awards Recipients
Furniture World News Desk on
9/23/2024
The High Point Market Authority’s Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) announces
recipients for its inaugural Diversity Advocacy Alliance Awards, to be recognized at a presentation ceremony and mixer held at
Pandora’s Manor on Sun., Oct. 27, during the Fall 2024 Market.
Upholstery brand Verellen will receive the Open Arms Award, awarded for inclusivity and warm hospitality towards
all showroom visitors regardless of race, gender or orientation. The award also honors the High Point Market
exhibitor’s commitment to supporting diversity through its employment practices and marketing materials.
Houston-based interior design entrepreneur Rhonnika Clifton will receive the Mentorship Award, which recognizes
industry leaders who share their knowledge to foster success for established and next-generation professionals.
This award recognizes Clifton’s proven history of offering guidance, support and mentorship to emerging
designers from underrepresented communities.
Jane Dagmi, managing director of High Point by Design (HPxD), will receive the Social Responsibility Award,
celebrating professionals or companies advocating diversity beyond the High Point Market trade show experience.
The award recognizes those individuals who drive innovation, creativity and unique perspectives within the
industry.
An open call for award nominees was published this spring.
The DAA Mixer takes place from 5pm to 6:30pm, with the Awards Presentation at 5:45pm. Pandora’s Manor is
located at 407 W. High Ave.
“Diversity is prioritized in the home furnishings and design sectors thanks to many voices and
changemakers,” says Patti Carpenter, principal of carpenter + company and DAA committee chair. “We
can’t wait to honor the individuals and brands that help us achieve our organization’s goals.”
“The inaugural DAA awards is an impactful way to celebrate inclusivity within our industry,” says
Tammy Covington Nagem, HPMA president and CEO. “HPMA is committed to supporting the DAA’s mission to cultivate an uplifting environment for all High Point Market attendees. We are excited to recognize these
award recipients at Fall Market.”
The DAA was established in 2022 to advance, improve and support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the home
furnishings sector. With thirteen founding members, the organization is managed by the social innovation firm Change Often. The DAA mission statement reflects a commitment to
expand representation of the BIPOC community, and to facilitate the implementation of equitable policies and
practices throughout the industry and its leadership.
Additional information about DAA may be found at www.highpointmarket.org/DiversityAdvocacyAlliance.
About the High Point Market Authority
The High Point Market Authority is the official sponsor and organizer of the High Point Market in High Point, N.C. Featuring an extensive
selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style, and price point, and attracting tens of thousands of
visitors from more than 100 countries twice each year, High Point Market is the driving force of the home
furnishings industry. Find High Point Market online at highpointmarket.org, and follow on social media using the
hashtag #HPMKT.