ABOUT EQUITY IN LIGHTING

EQUITY IN LIGHTING'S MISSION

Light is a universal experience, yet its quality varies greatly between communities. Equity in Lighting is committed to ensuring that everyone—regardless of background, identity, or abilities—has access to high-quality illumination. We drive the lighting industry forward by providing the framework and skills needed to achieve this goal.

Our mission extends beyond design; we advocate for the safety and inclusion of all industry members, ensuring workplaces remain just and equitable. We strive to expand industry awareness, elevate the livelihoods of lighting designers, welcome new talent, and deepen our understanding of how light interacts with all lived experiences. Above all, we champion a fair and just future where everyone is valued and accepted for who they are.

Our partner organizations are at the heart of this mission. Equity in Lighting unites and strengthens communities, amplifies underrepresented voices, and drives lasting change. Together, we push for a future where light is not just a necessity but a force for equity, well-being, and opportunity. Through collaboration and education, we illuminate a path toward a just and inclusive tomorrow—where everyone is valued, accepted, and empowered to thrive.

EQUITY IN LIGHTING'S VISION

We dream of a world where lighting designers are consulted on every project, ensuring that everyone experiences beautiful, healthy lighting in their spaces. A world where people can bring their rich cultures, backgrounds, and identities into the workplace and be celebrated rather than feared.

We envision a future where all people feel safe leaving their homes, free from the fear of harm, attack, or discrimination. A future where lighting standards exist to honor every person’s beauty and presence in their space.

Above all, we strive for a day when equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect are no longer just initiatives—but the very foundation of how we live and work.

EQUITY IN LIGHTING'S VALUES

Progress – We question everything we are taught is "normal" because the way things have always been done does not mean they should always be done that way. We embrace change for a better future.
Equity & Inclusion – We believe the lighting industry should serve all communities fairly and inclusively, addressing diverse needs and lived experiences so people feel valued, respected, and empowered.
Advocacy – We challenge industry norms, push for safer workplaces, and work to remove harmful practices from our industry.
Collaboration – We partner with organizations and stakeholders to drive meaningful change together.
Education – We share knowledge, expand industry awareness, and encourage new talent to join the field.
Integrity – We commit to ethical practices that ensure quality, sustainability, and accountability in all aspects of lighting.
Trust – We believe in people's actions above their words—what they do matters more than what they say.

Our Team.

At Equity in Lighting Design, our team is excited and committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the lighting design community. From designers to sales reps to manufacturers, our team is dedicated to making a difference in the industry. Learn more about us below.

Elaine Cook

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Zachary Pearson

Director of PANDS

Austin Young

Director of Industry Programs

Our Programs.

At Equity in Lighting, we believe in the power of education to create a more equitable and just society. That’s why we offer multiple facets of programming, including primary and secondary programs, post-secondary professional development, research opportunities and educational programming for all ages. Our team is committed to providing our industry with the tools to successfully illuminate every community.

Primary and Secondary Programs

Collaborates with local school districts to provide lighting education modules for K-12 students that work in tandem with school curriculum.

ALIGN

Dedicated to generating opportunity awareness amongst young adults and providing guidance and counsel towards good financial literacy, job search practices, interviewing skills, benefits, and other skills proven useful in the lighting industry.

Research

Focuses on examining and developing inclusive lighting practices and technology that enhance the lighting experience of every community.

Industry Programs

Programs aimed at educating design professionals about the impact of lighting on every community and promoting inclusive practices within our designs.

Marketing

Promotes EIL's programming and drives awareness through strategic campaigns with our partners and community members.

Finance & Fundraising

Responsible for a range of activities related to budgeting, accounting, and fundraising so we can continue to provide top-caliber programming.

Our Journey.

Equity in Lighting was developed in response to the Black Lives Matter protests in June of 2020 by co-founders Lana, Francesca and Elaine. From its initial stages, EIL has tirelessly championed initiatives that open the barriers into lighting design, promote diversity in the lighting sector, and contribute to the overall well-being of communities through thoughtful design practices and tools. With each milestone, EIL continues to evolve, creating a legacy of positive impact and exemplifying the transformative potential of combining equitable lighting solutions with a community-centric approach.

Our Co-Founders

Founded in the spring of 2020 by Lana Lenar, Francesca Bastianini, and Elaine Cook.

The Baseline Survey

The first initiative of EIL was to conduct a Diversity Baseline Survey in the summer of 2020. The survey had over 350 submissions within NYC and was monumental for EIL's strategic plan to increase our community's diversity.

Over the course of 2021, we explore the data with our members to understand the barriers within our industry and ways that we can develop programming to remove them.

Click here to dive into the data...

First Partnered Programming

February 9th, 2022 we partnered with the IES NYC Chapter to host our first of many successful programs, "Intro to Equity for Lighting Professional." We have continued to co-host and host educational programs including "Light and Skin Tone", and our series "Questions You Don't Want to Ask Out Loud."

Non-Profit Status

On August 10th, 2022, Equity in Lighting officially became a registered 501(c)(3)!

Expanded Our Board of Directors

In 2023 we welcomed Zachary, Dominique, Nirali and Austin onto our Board of Directors. Through their leadership and dedication we have a budding team of volunteers working hard at our curriculum and events. If you want to join our team, please reach out to hello@equityinlighting.org.