IIDA Foundation and IDEC Foundation Announce Recipient of Diversity Award
TheĀ International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Foundation, in partnership with the Interior Design Educators Council Foundation, Inc., (IDECF), is pleased to announceĀ Abimbola O. Asojo, Ph.D.,Ā AIA, IES, IDEC, NCIDQ, NOMA, LEED AP, professor of interior design at the College of Design, University of Minnesota,Ā as the recipient of the 2ndĀ annualĀ IIDA Foundation Diversity Award. This award celebrates an educator who is representative of a diverse background andĀ actively advancing diversity in the Interior Design industry.Ā Asojo will receive $5,000 on behalf of the IIDA Foundation and be recognized during the IDEC Annual Conference,Ā March 7-10, 2018, in Boston.
āNot only does Abimbola encourage her students to demonstrate social responsibility through design, she has centered her career around guiding principles that promote diversity, cross-cultural understanding, and empathy,ā saidĀ Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, LEED AP, Executive Vice President and CEO of IIDA. āWe are proud to honor Abimbola for her contributions to interior design education with the IIDA Foundation Diversity Award.ā
Asojoās commitment to diversity is apparent in her distinguished 20-year career and extends far beyond the classroom. In addition to teaching, she has organized multiple Diversity and Design workshops and lectures, creating a dialogue among students, faculty, and practitioners. In addition, through her research and outreach efforts, Asojo continuously connects with the surrounding communities by involving them in the design process in order to foster successful outcomes and promote the health and well-being of building occupants.
āDisseminating knowledge on cultural diversity and cross-cultural issues has formed a significant part of my teaching, research, and service over the last 20 years,ā said Abimbola.Ā āAs a professor, part of my responsibility is to bridge the gap between theory and practice by engaging students in authentic design experiences to help them develop empathy and understand pressing societal issues.ā
IIDA Foundation Diversity Award submissions were reviewed by IIDA International Board of Directors President-electĀ Gabrielle Bullock, IIDA, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, principal and director, Global Diversity, Perkins+Will, and 2017 IIDA Educator of the YearĀ Jon Otis, IIDA, founder and principal, Object Agency, and professor, Pratt Institute. For more information about the IIDA Foundation Diversity Award, please contact Aisha Williams atĀ awilliams@iida.org.
About International Interior Design Association
The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is the commercial interior design association with global reach. We support design professionals, industry affiliates, educators, students, firms and their clients through our network of 15,000+ members across 58 countries. We advocate for advancement in education, design excellence, legislation, leadership, accreditation, and community outreach to increase the value and understanding of interior design as a profession that enhances business value and positively impacts the health and well-being of peopleās lives every day.Ā www.iida.org
