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

President & Co-Founder

Shaun Fillion

Committee Lead of School Enrichment Program

Ashley Chan

Committee Lead of Wiring 101

Soumya Undavalli

Committee Lead of Lightok

Our Structure.

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.

Board of Partners

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