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.
OUR BOARD OF PARTNERS
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
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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.
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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.
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Advocacy – We challenge industry norms, push for safer workplaces, and work to remove harmful practices from our industry.
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Collaboration – We partner with organizations and stakeholders to drive meaningful change together.
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Education – We share knowledge, expand industry awareness, and encourage new talent to join the field.
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Integrity – We commit to ethical practices that ensure quality, sustainability, and accountability in all aspects of lighting.
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Trust – We believe in people's actions above their words—what they do matters more than what they say.
Our Team & Structure.
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.
President
The President of Equity in Lighting leads the organization’s long-term strategy, chairs Board of Directors and Board of Advisors meetings, and serves as the primary ambassador for its mission and partnerships. With a focus on 5-year growth, alignment, and sustainability, the President ensures organizational cohesion, strategic execution, and external advocacy.
Time Commitment: 20-25 hrs/month
Director of Operations
Director of Partnerships
The Director of Operations (Secretary) ensures the organization runs smoothly by managing meeting logistics, maintaining documentation and shared drives, tracking tasks, and supporting other Directors through coordination, onboarding, and process organization. They serve as the central point for operational structure, communication, and continuity.
Time Commitment: 6-10 hrs/month
The Director of Partnerships leads the Board of Partners and manages relationships with aligned organizations to develop collaborative programs that reflect shared values. They serve as a strategic ambassador for Equity in Lighting, seeking opportunities to support individuals and societies in growing a more inclusive, innovative lighting industry.
Time Commitment: 6-10 hrs/month
Admin Support (PAID)
Board of Partners
Director of Communications & Marketing
Director of Finance
As Director of Finance (Treasurer), you're responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, invoicing, sponsor tracking, reimbursements, and fund allocation in alignment with the chart of accounts. You maintain accurate records, coordinate with the bookkeeper and accountant, support strategic planning, and ensure compliance with yearly deadlines and reporting requirements.
Time Commitment: 6-10 hrs/month
The Director of Communications & Marketing leads EIL’s brand strategy, content planning, and external communications, ensuring consistent messaging across platforms and initiatives. They coordinate with partners, oversee the social media committee, and manage key projects like the quarterly newsletter and onboarding materials.
Time Commitment: 6-10 hrs/month
Admin Support (PAID)
lightTok [Social Media Committee]
Accountant (PAID)
Bookkeeper (PAID)
Sponsorship Committee
Director of Programs
The Director of Programs leads and supports all Equity in Lighting program committees, ensuring initiatives like workshops, classes, and support services align with EIL’s mission. They collaborate with fellow Directors to move programs forward, provide strategic guidance to committee leads, and identify new opportunities for growth and impact.
Time Commitment: 8-12 hrs/month
Education & Awareness Committee
Career Development & Access Committee
Focuses on growing awareness of lighting beyond the industry itself—reaching every age and demographic through public-facing workshops, school programs, and creative outreach. This committee designs engaging educational experiences to introduce lighting as a powerful tool for expression, equity, and impact in everyday life.
PS166 Workshop
Focuses on teaching essential skills that are often left out of traditional education but are vital for understanding the lighting industry and thriving within it. Through classes like Wiring 101, mentorship, and hands-on learning, this committee creates accessible pathways into the field for those historically excluded or overlooked.
Wiring 101 Workshops
Continuous Improvement Committee
Explores and challenges industry norms to ensure they reflect diverse experiences and equitable practices. This committee examines the "standard" assumptions in lighting and helps build a more inclusive foundation for how the industry defines excellence. They work closely with the Policy & Research Committee to ground their efforts in data and evidence, and collaborate with EIL’s partner organizations to put these changes into practice—whether through updated codes, advocacy initiatives, or lobbying for better laws.
Policy & Research Committee
Conducts research and develops internal and external resources that support evidence-based advocacy, accountability, and systemic change. This committee works closely with the Continuous Improvement Committee to analyze industry norms, support shifts in policy, and provide the data and insights needed to influence updated codes, best practices, and equitable legislation across the lighting industry.
Support Hotline Committee
Designs and supports peer-led and community-based systems, such as Immigrant Support, to meet the real-time needs of those facing barriers in the lighting industry. This committee creates spaces for listening, guidance, and mutual aid, and works toward building a network of pro bono legal aid and other assistance to help individuals navigate challenges and thrive within the profession.
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.
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.
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.