As we come to the close of the 100th year of celebrating Black History Month and entering Women’s History Month, I’m reminded what a gift it is to show up in the world not only Black, but as a woman…a Black woman!
In our industry, this gift places me in the unique position of being both part of the majority and underrepresented at the same time, due to the demographics that make up interior design. It’s something I choose to celebrate. Simply by being where I am today, I am living out my ancestors’ wildest dreams.
In the spirit of celebration, I’m sharing 10+ industry women I’m fangirling over this year.
So why should the women I’m fangirling over matter to you, dear readers?
Because they are shaping and influencing our industry in different ways, at different levels, and across different sectors from design practice and research to leadership, advocacy and social impact. I encourage you to look them up, explore their stories, check out their socials, read their bios and see what they’re building.
In this column, I want to tell you how they’ve impacted me and the examples they’ve set. And this is my way of giving them their flowers while they can smell them.
Let’s begin fangirling!
ATX Women of Color in Design: Libby Gillen | Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering; Brandy Mills, MA | OFS; and CaLondra Yarbrough | SKG
We’ve known each other for years, but during the racial unrest of 2020 we began gathering intentionally to process, to reflect, to support and to celebrate life. While the industry brought us together, our bond runs deeper than being Black women in design. These three are my people: honest, real, no-holding-back women and everything done with a loving heart. They remind me that my accomplishments are not handed to me; I earned them. They are not defined by the companies they work for, but by the commitment they bring to everything they touch. I’m better because of them.
Kathleen Mulhausen, RID, IIDA, and Harmony Edwards, RID | E+M Interior Design
Kathleen and Harmony have led me in my design career for nearly twelve years. I jokingly call them my “boss ladies,” but they prefer “teammates,” which tells you everything about their leadership style. Through personal and professional challenges, I have never questioned their support. They model what it looks like to design meaningful work, run a successful business, raise families and still lead with humor and heart. It has been an honor to grow alongside them and be part of the firm’s evolution.
Women of Color in Design: Cheryl Durst, Hon. FIIDA | IIDA; Ronnie Belizaire, FIIDA | HKS; Kia Weatherspoon, NCIDQ, ASID | Determined by Design
Seeing these women spotlighted at IIDA and NeoCon events shifted something in me, representation in action is powerful. Watching Black women lead boldly in visible spaces reminded me there doesn’t have to be just one seat at the table, we can all take up space. They have been mentors, sounding boards and examples of leadership rooted in clarity and honesty. I don’t remember the exact words they said when I first met them, but I will never forget how they made me feel: seen and understood.
Maria VanDeman, NCIDQ, Ind. IIDA | OFS + Host of Imagine a Place Podcast
If you’re reading my words today, you can thank Maria. She connected me to Rob Kirkbride and opened the door for me to become an officeinsight columnist. Maria consistently puts my name in rooms I’m not in and advocates for voices like mine to be heard. She shares openly about motherhood and career ambition, two identities that don’t always get celebrated together. Her leadership reminds me that advocacy is action and that lifting others up costs nothing but intention.
Amanda Schneider, LEED AP, MBA | ThinkLab + Host of Design Nerds Anonymous Podcast
Amanda and I met during the early days of COVID on the invite-only app Clubhouse, when we were all craving connection. She hosted conversations rooted in research, curiosity and honesty and encouraged me to use my voice during a season when I felt disconnected as a new mother. Amanda built what she wanted to see in the industry and now we all benefit from it. She proves that data and heart are not opposites, they’re powerful partners. You can often find us both rocking our Design Nerd hats, matching her new book cover “Work for What’s Next: Why Workplace Culture is Failing and How the Next Generation Can Fix It” where she shares her research and guide to rethinking connection and trust across generations in a digital-first world.
Rad Larios | Designer + Sisterhood
Rad was a gem to the world and our industry. She connected with an interview I did about my breast cancer journey just as she was beginning her own. She reminded me why I share my story because someone out there needs to hear it. Even though our time together was far too short, I carry her with me every time I choose not to be silent. She had a servant heart and gave her all with a smile until she could not. She is part of my why. Rest in Power my dear friend.
Marcella Hobbs, WELL AP, and Dawn Sweatt | The Flourish Society
Watching Marcella and Dawn build The Flourish Society has been inspiring. They empower women in Belize by transforming leftover upholstery into handmade goods that create sustainable income for families. Their work shows what’s possible when design intersects with purpose. If your company is looking to upcycle upholstery, please consider contacting them to discuss. They challenge me to think bigger about impact and about how our industry’s excess can become someone else’s opportunity.
Stacy Murphy, IIDA, NCIDQ | FMG Austin
From the moment Stacy stepped into the Austin design community, I knew she would make an impact and she did. She’s a connector, and from one connector to another, we bonded easily. Her transition from designer to dealership leader proves how expansive an interior design degree can be. She leads with confidence and strategy and soon she’ll add published author to her resume, her upcoming book “Permission to Pursue: Unleashing Your Authentic Self for Professional Growth” will launch in Spring 2026. Her growth reminds me that we’re allowed to evolve.
Dr. Anastasija Lesjak | 13&9 Design, ScienceDesignLab + INNOCAD
I met Anastasija at NeoCon nearly a decade ago, and she has cheered me on from Austria ever since. Her research-driven design work leaves a powerful imprint on our industry, her team’s award-winning Fractal Chapel project in Graz is one of my favorites. Despite her global presence, she always takes time to make people feel seen and that matters.
Shundra Harris, RID, FASID, NCIDQ | Shundra Harris Interiors | Seminars By Design | ASID Board of Directors Chair-Elect
Shundra entered my life during a season of transition for both of us in 2007 and nearly twenty years later she continues to inspire me. She boldly shifted from software engineering to interior design and built a career rooted in leadership, education and service. She sees my magic, protects my light and never asks me to dim it. Every woman deserves someone like Shundra in her corner.
Knowing these women has been a privilege. Their influence spans commercial and residential design, contract furniture, research, business ownership, advocacy and education. Some live out loud on social media. Some are quiet builders. Some are household names. Some are behind-the-scenes champions, but each one has shaped me.
Here’s to the women who inspire us, challenge us and remind us we belong. May we continue giving each other our flowers…loudly and often.
My hope is that as you read about these women, you see pieces of yourself reflected back, feel encouraged to reach out to someone you admire and maybe even realize that you, too, are someone else’s Industry Fangirl!