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 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.

Education & Awareness 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.

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 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.

2020

2021

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

2022

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)!

2023

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.

Hosted our first Wiring 101 Class

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Our first Wiring 101 Workshop, developed in partnership with Parsons, introduced lighting students to the essentials: wiring a downlight, a linear fixture, and a dimmer switch. We believe every future lighting professional should understand the fundamentals behind the systems they specify.

The success of this workshop has allowed us to expand the program into high schools, lighting design practices, and architectural offices.

Questions You Don't Want to Ask Out Loud - Employment Law

In Q4 of 2023, EIL hosted our first anonymous employment law panel, created with Reavis Page Jump Law, gave the lighting community a safe space to ask tough workplace questions and receive expert answers.

2024

Joint Event w/ BUILD in NYC

EIL and BUILD co-hosted a private tour of the Met’s Harlem Renaissance & Transatlantic Modernism exhibit, featuring insights from Met Lighting Designer Jourdan Ferguson and Research Assistant Tiara Brown. Participants experienced a deep dive into the art, history, and behind-the-scenes lighting that brings major exhibitions to life.

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Lighting Design Industry Cencus - Collaboration ALC & WILD DEIR

EIL partnered with the Asian Lighting Community and WILD’s DEIR team to launch the second Lighting Design Industry Census, a data-driven initiative to better understand the personal, social, and economic makeup of our lighting community and how it is changing over time.

Realignment of EIL

At the end of 2024, EIL recognized that our existing structure wasn’t equipped for the scale of impact the industry needed. We brought together partners, advisors, and industry leaders to chart a stronger, more sustainable path forward.

2025

Moving Forward

In 2025, EIL finalized its By-Laws, launched the Board of Partners, and refined our mission, vision, and values to meet the evolving needs of our industry. We are moving forward with one clear purpose: to champion equity within lighting. To continue this work, we invite more people who believe in this mission to join us and help shape a better industry for everyone.