2024 Conference Schedule

We the people

Tennessee State University Drop off location: 1108 37th Ave North Room Map

March 14, 2024

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM CT :: VIRTUAL CAREER EXPLORATION SESSIONS

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Description: In this virtual panel session, attendees will hear from Cisco professionals working in a variety of design functions in the Security Business Group.
Key takeaways:
• How to uncover your strengths and discover what energizes you beyond the definition of your job title
• How to approach your first and subsequent roles with a spirit of discovery
• How to develop principles, tools, and processes that will serve you in all your future transitions (role to role, industry to industry, junior to leader)
Presenters: Jillian Haller, Product Design Manager + Carl Covington, Lead Product Designer + Zeke Binion, Lead Design Engineer + Amy Wandji, Senior Design Researcher + Lauren Monsein Rhodes, Senior User Researcher + Jaichaun Paige, Design Program Coordinator
Location: Join Webex
Password: p5SipsUQ7B6
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Description: This presentation discusses the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing world. We will highlight the need for a balanced lifestyle encompassing professional and personal growth.
We will provide tips and tricks to implement within and outside work to enforce boundaries and embrace your true potential.
Presenters: Mariah Byron, UX Researcher, Cisco + Matt Alexander, Product Designer, Cisco
Location: Join WebEx
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Description: There are a lot of design professionals out in the world and a lot of opportunities to get into this profession. But how do you get noticed? How do you position yourself for the job that really speaks to you—for a company where you’ll be able to grow and thrive? Join this Uber-hosted virtual workshop and learn to be seen and get hired.
Hear from Uber sourcers, recruiters, and hiring managers on what they look for across Linkedin proﬁles, resumes, portfolios, and interviews, so you can set yourself up for success in your job hunt.
Takeaways:
• How to be seen: how to use available tools to set yourself apart
• Get speciﬁc: how to curate your resume and portfolio for each job/company
• Interview your best: what hiring managers are looking for in each practice
• Hiring process: from application to your new job
Presenters: Jennifer White, Design Recruiter + Erin St Pierre, Design Recruiting Sourcer + Mohini Vora, Design Manager + Yoon Lee, UX Research Manager + David Miller, Content Design Manager + Erica Ellis, Head of Product Equity Design
Location: https://uber.zoom.us/j/95680230829?pwd=Q0Q1TEZIbnFUMG5IeUdHR3pBOFUvUT09.Join Zoom
ID: 95680230829
Passcode: 180277

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM CT :: VIRTUAL CAREER EXPLORATION SESSIONS

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Description: A discussion on the opportunities available and how to pursue design roles in the public sector.
Presenters: Brian Whittaker - Founder of Humans of Public Service, Tech Leader In Government, Tony Vergara, Service Designer, Fearless, Eva Dransfield - Designer @ U.S. Digital Corps , Frances Ylllana - Principal Manager, Design Operations, Coforma
Location: Zoom
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Description: Let's take a deep dive into the journeys of five Black professionals in the product design industry. These practitioners, who represent various aspects of the field—from research and development to product management and content design—will share their unique career paths and strategies that they've used to navigate the product design industry. They will speak candidly about the challenges they've encountered, the opportunities they've seized to innovate and grow, and the viability and rewarding nature of a career in this industry. It's a must-attend for students and early career professionals interested in understanding and pursuing a career in the product design field!
Presenters: Uzunma Kas-Osoka, Cisco Content Design Manager, Kenny Bangudu, CiscoCisco Webex Meeting Link UX Researcher, Tope Larayetan, Cisco Content Designer, Kiwane Garner, Cisco Software Engineer, Novia Fisher, Cisco Business Analyst
Location: Cisco Webex Meeting Link
Password: Designer

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM CT :: IN-PERSON CAREER EXPLORATION

Meet recruiters. Speak with designers about their career paths. Learn about roles, expectations, organization culture. Learn more about design careers in this informal setting.

Bring your portfolio and resume if you’d like to receive critique and feedback from professional designers and educators, all looking forward to helping you reach your career goals.

Location: Floyd Payne Campus Center

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Participating Companies/Organizations:

Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville

Best Buy

Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum

Design for America

DLR Group

Dryden Studio

Freeman

IBM

Intuit

Morningstar

Pantora Bridal

Pearl

Stanford d.School

Steelcase

The Urbaanist

UNT, College of Visual Arts and Design

Uber

Work & Co

March 15, 2024

8:00 AM :: REGISTRATION OPEN (TSU Humanities Building Lobby)

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM :: UBER ACTIVATION

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Description: Through platforms such as Uber Rides and Uber Eats, Uber has become a platform that positively transforms the way transportation systems and food systems operate in society.
The purpose of this activation will be to examine the ways in which the built environment has historically excluded Black people through the design of transportation systems and food systems. It will also be a space for Black designers to reflect on what it looks like for us to design a society that recenters us.
Location: Lobbycription

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Description: This workshop is for rebellious thinkers and confident creators, welcome to our lively and enlightening Brand DNA Design Workshop! Dive into the vibrant world of branding, breaking the shackles of convention and embracing your authenticity.
As we navigate through this inspiring journey, we'll explore the lifeblood of your brand—its unique DNA—that infinitely rich set of attributes that define and differentiate it in the
marketplace. We're talking about the essence, the personality, the core values of your brand! It's a potent blend that serves as the foundation for your brand’s identity, communication, evolution, and stability.
Join us, color outside the lines, disrupt the status quo and become an architect of change.
Together, let's unlock the secrets to creating an empowering and enduring brand DNA.
Presenter: Farrah Morgan
Location: Room 201
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Description: This workshop is for rebellious thinkers and confident creators, welcome to our lively and enlightening Brand DNA Design Workshop! Dive into the vibrant world of branding, breaking the shackles of convention and embracing your authenticity.
As we navigate through this inspiring journey, we'll explore the lifeblood of your brand—its unique DNA—that infinitely rich set of attributes that define and differentiate it in the
marketplace. We're talking about the essence, the personality, the core values of your brand! It's a potent blend that serves as the foundation for your brand’s identity, communication, evolution, and stability.
Join us, color outside the lines, disrupt the status quo and become an architect of change.
Together, let's unlock the secrets to creating an empowering and enduring brand DNA.
Presenter: Andrea Pitter
Location: Room 221
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Description: Explore the artistry behind crafting visually striking letters and discover the fundamental principles that shape effective typographic compositions. From mastering various lettering styles to understanding the nuances of typeface selection, participants will embark on a creative journey to enhance their design skills and unlock new possibilities for expressive communication.
Presenters: Cymone Wilder + David Jon Walker
Location: Room 113
Description: The "Mixtape Manifesto" workshop mixes in the social determinants of design, while also mic checking how stereotypes and myths influence the essence of Blackness in the design world. While we may not unravel all the complexities in our time together, YOU WILL LEAVE WITH YOUR OWN PHYSICAL MIXTAPE — a guide as you continue to shape your personal state of Black Design in your communities. This manifesto is a call to action for Black designers, faculty, and staff to “Git Up, Git Out, and Git Something” (Goodie Mobb, 1994) in this one of a kind design sprint. Yes, “a time will be had” however, the “Mixtape Manifesto” is just beginning. The rhythm is yours to make and take for what lies ahead as you 'ease on down the road' (The Wiz) back to your communities to lead your future design endeavors.

Presenter: Milan Drake
Location: Room 202

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM :: IN-PERSON WELCOME (Poag Auditorium)

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM :: IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS

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Description: Discover the intersection of artificial intelligence and inclusivity in our transformative workshop focused on the responsible use of AI in digital imagery to enhance minority representation. Join a panel of AI Artists as they navigate the nuances of AI-induced bias and demonstrate cutting-edge imaging technologies that champion diversity. Participants will engage in a hands-on prompt engineering session, designed to empower creators to generate AI prompts that celebrate the richness of black and minority cultures. This interactive workshop also provides critical skills in bias detection and correction, offering practical strategies to ensure AI-generated content promotes equity and representation.
Presenters: Dr. Robbie Melton + Dr. Ramona Wiggins + Dr. Denise Malloy + Mr. Bryson Scott
Location: Room 303
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Description: Have you ever found yourself at the crossroads of self-doubt and aspiration, wondering how to make your mark in the design space? If so, then this talk is for you. Through personal anecdotes and actionable insights, we aim to motivate and guide aspiring designers to embrace their identities, fuel their creativity, and confidently pursue their passions in the ever-evolving design space. Join us as we unravel the essence of making your mark in the design world, transforming challenges into a playbook for success.
Presenter: John Ferguson, Work & Co.
Location: Room 323
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Description: In this workshop, attendees will learn differences between User/Design Research methods and how to select the right method for a study. Attendees will then compete in a “Metagame” to put their knowledge to the test. This workshop is open to all disciplines and levels of UXR knowledge.
Presenter: Hope Idaewor
Location: Room 310
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Description: In her book Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World,Jessica Bantom explores the concept of human-centered design that taps into an understanding of identity: how people live, what’s important to them, and what informstheir perspectives and experiences. She presents the 6 habits of culturally competent designers as behaviors designers can adopt to engage in a brave new dialogue where identity and culture are no longer taboo; they're actually embraced and celebrated in day-to-day interactions – with customers and clients, and among colleagues. This session will feature a combination of knowledge sharing and group discussion.
Presenter: Jessica Bantom
Location: Room 305

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM :: BREAK

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM :: IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM :: LUNCH

1:00 PM - 3:10 PM :: HYBRID MAIN STAGE PRESENTATIONS (Poag Auditorium + YouTube live stream)

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Description: Conference hosts Omari Souza and Kaleena Sales welcome you to the conference.
Presenters: Omari Souza + Kaleena Sales
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Description: An introduction to Nashville's history.
Presenter: Dr. Learotha Williams
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Description: An introduction to TSU's history.
Presenter: Interim Provost, Dr. Robbie Melton
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Presenter: Aida Davis + Ericka Huggins
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Description: Educators from a variety of backgrounds discuss the importance of expanding the cannon.
Presenters: Ritesh Gupta, Marshall “Mr. P” Pollard, Tracey Moore, Milan Drake
Moderator: Kaleena Sales
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Description: A creative exploration of black designs presented in the format of a PechaKucha presentation. The structure involves participants delivering presentations on their work, accompanied by a carefully curated soundtrack.
Presenters: Kyra Wells , Sophia Little + Andrea Pitter

3:10 PM - 3:40 PM :: BREAK

3:40 PM - 6:00 PM :: HYBRID MAIN STAGE PRESENTATIONS (Poag Auditorium + YouTube live stream)

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Presenters: Michael J. Ewing + LaJuné McMillian
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Presenter: Leah Alexander, Maryam Moma, + Jessica Bantom
Moderator: Daijah Bleu
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Description:
Presenters: Omari Souza + Kaleena Sales
Location: Poag Auditorium

March 16, 2024

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Description:
Presenter: Michael Gibson
Location: Room 305
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Description:
Presenter:
Location: Room 323
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Description:
Presenter:
Location: Room 303
A Value System Grounded in Care
Presenter:
Location: Room 310

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Description: Through platforms such as Uber Rides and Uber Eats, Uber has become a platform that positively transforms the way transportation systems and food systems operate in society.
The purpose of this activation will be to examine the ways in which the built environment has historically excluded Black people through the design of transportation systems and food systems. It will also be a space for Black designers to reflect on what it looks like for us to design a society that recenters us.
Location: Lobby

9:00 AM :: REGISTRATION OPENS

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM :: UBER AVTIVATION

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM :: IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS

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Description: We'll explore the dynamic journey of cross-functional collaboration in the tech industry, specifically focusing on the development of new features from ideation to launch. This session will provide valuable insights into the intertwined roles of design, development, and user feedback in creating impactful digital products.
Presenter: Glenn Dixon, Co-Founder, President of The Black Codes
Location: Room 202
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Description: To highlight how self-care is a critical component in doing work purposively, authentically, and a form of resistance. Self-care is important because of prevailing mindsets of oppression that resulted in colonization and racism of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people. The ability to listen to our inner voice of thriving as opposed to endurance is a must. Therefore cultivating our personal design approach and practice to self-care is a form of joy, liberation, love, and resistance. This practice emboldens our authentic selves because we cherish our unique existence.
1. Recognize our social structures are rooted in historical and spatial contexts.
2. Learn how to design a self-care approach and practice using the Boundaries, Alerts, and Limits Framework.
3. Realize resiliency realms are all around us and can be leveraged to prioritize self-care.
Presenter: Sharon Attipoe-Dorcoo, PhD, MPH: Adjunct Professor at Texas Woman’s University & Principal of TERSHA LLC
Location: Room 221
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Description: This is an immersive collage making workshop that transcends artistic boundaries, blending the rich themes of the State of Black Design Justice and Afrofuturism. This unique experience offers a creative space to explore, express and celebrate the intersection of art, culture and social justice.
Presenters: Marryam Moma + Jennifer White-Johnson
Location: Room 113
Location: Room 201
Location: Lobby

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM :: BREAK

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM :: IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS

Description: A creative exploration of black designs presented in the format of a PechaKucha presentation. The structure involves participants delivering presentations on their work, accompanied by a carefully curated soundtrack.
Participants: Brandi Greene, Work & Co + Aladrian Goods, INTUIT + Calvin Robertson Jr., Best Buy

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM :: LUNCH

1:00 PM - 3:10 PM :: HYBRID MAIN STAGE PRESENTATIONS (Poag Auditorium + YouTube live stream)

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM :: BREAK
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM :: HYBRID MAIN STAGE PRESENTATIONS (Poag Auditorium + YouTube live stream)

Panelists: Michael Held, VP, Global Design at Steelcase + Wes Eugene, SVP, North America, HIT Global + Brian Rice, 3M + Kevin Bethune, Moderator
Description: A creative exploration of black designs presented in the format of a PechaKucha presentation. The structure involves participants delivering presentations on their work, accompanied by a carefully curated soundtrack.
Participants: LeXander Bryant + Xavier Payne + Jason Garrett
Panelists: Elizabeth (dori) Tunstall + Ovetta Sampson + Antionette Carroll + Cheryl D Miller
Closing Remarks