In honor of Black History Month, we’re featuring some of MillerKnoll’s people, initiatives, and programs that are working to support and uplift the Black community. Black History Month is celebrated in different months around the globe, so we’re excited to share the inspiring work our MillerKnoll teammates are doing year-round to support this community.

The #designyourfuture program connects students from underrepresented groups to the design and fashion industries—and their professionals. Workshops focus on inspiring students and developing their skills to support them on their personal and professional journeys.

In November, #designyourfuture returned to the Herman Miller showroom in London for its second edition with the Harris City Academy Crystal Palace.

Over the course of seven months, 20 high school-aged students will engage with design professionals and learn useful techniques, tools, and skills while pursuing their design goals.

Students participating in the November workshop at the Herman Miller showroom in London.

The #designyourfuture initiative is in partnership with MillerKnoll’s European chapter of its REACH (Race, Equity, Allyship, Culture, Heritage) Business Resource Group (BRG), the MillerKnoll Foundation, and the MillerKnoll Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging team.

REACH BRG member and #designyourfuture advocate, Alessandra Orlando, reflected on the recent workshop and its impact.

“It’s been a privilege to play a role in these young creatives’ lives and watch their engagement and interest grow,” Orlando said, “We cannot wait to see how the program evolves.”

Members of the REACH BRG and #designyourfuture student participants pose for a picture.

Orlando shared that the next crucial step the group is working on to enhance the program is to identify resources that will enable the majority of these students to reach their goals through apprenticeship programs, internships, and scholarships.

Stay tuned for future updates on the progress and outcomes of the #designyourfuture initiative.