Chippewa Valley Times

Graphic design students at UW-Stout have created a series of powerful posters promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the marketing and advertising industry. These 51 posters will be featured in a traveling exhibition tour across the Twin Cities and beyond, starting with the BrandLab’s Fearless conference.

Professor Nagesh Shinde collaborated with the BrandLab to bring this project to life, aiming to promote diversity and spark conversations about inclusion in the industry. Shinde expressed his enthusiasm for the exhibition, stating, “The exhibition gives great visibility to their mission and to UW-Stout. It promotes a more diverse student body in design and a need for stronger recruitment of faculty and staff.”

The BrandLab’s National Director, Michaela Clubb, praised the students' work, noting that their exhibit fosters a sense of belonging and is purposeful and impactful. She highlighted the importance of the students' contribution to opening up conversations about diversity and inclusion in the industry.

The students' posters touch on various themes related to diversity and inclusion. Carly Kauffman's design, inspired by a quilt, symbolizes diversity in the workplace with a message of "You Belong." Jalen Sanfelippo's bold design addresses the comfort levels of BIPOC employees in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all. Kate Gillette's series focuses on active, inclusive listening, while Regan Haack's work calls for institutionalizing equity in all aspects of the industry.

Clara Nicolai encourages organizations to assess the impact of their diversity efforts and engage in meaningful conversations with employees to drive real change. The students' posters were first showcased at UW-Stout’s Destination Weekend, receiving positive feedback from the community.

The exhibition will continue to various venues after the Fearless conference, including events hosted by the American Institute of Graphic Arts and Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association. The project received funding support from the College of Arts and Human Sciences to ensure the posters are well-preserved during the tour.

The students' impactful work not only showcases their talent but also advocates for a more inclusive and diverse future in the design industry. Through their art, they are sparking important conversations and inspiring change within the field.