Slide WELCOME TO SHINE THE LIGHT Shine the Light was born from the desire to celebrate local black creators and design innovators from a diverse set of industries. By amplifying this generation of leaders, we can raise awareness of volunteer and educational opportunities to promote a professional path in the Arts for the next generation.
Meet the creators Our why scholarship MEET THE CREATORS SMBW sat down for a discussion with local black creative visionaries to hear their stories, challenges, successes, and perspectives . This 4-part series of Creator Chats provides a platform to share their work, stories, challenges, and social activism and hope to foster an ongoing conversation in our communities and industries. Burt Pinnock Read More Kia Weatherspoon Read More Maurice Beane Read More Hamilton Glass Coming in May OUR WHY Changing the script.
Starting important conversations.
Making thoughtful business partnerships.
Building a diverse workplace and team.
Challenging businesses to do more.
Celebrating today’s talent and changemakers.
Introducing mentors to the next generation.
Inspiring career paths in design and creative fields.
Amplifying local opportunities for volunteerism.

Together, we are creating a new narrative that fosters social and racial equity in the workplace and design community.
66% of African Americans don’t see themselves in firm leadership NCARB Less than 1 in 5 new architects identify as a racial or ethnic minority, including a 16% increase over the past decade. NCARB Black designers account for less than 2% of the membership in ASID. ASID Business ownership, more so than even education, is a tangible pathway to achieve economic parity and close the racial wealth gap. Study conducted by UNLV
 OUR WHY Changing the script.
Starting important conversations.
Making thoughtful business partnerships.
Building a diverse workplace and team.
Challenging businesses to do more.
Celebrating today’s talent and changemakers.
Introducing mentors to the next generation.
Inspiring career paths in design and creative fields.
Amplifying local opportunities for volunteerism

Together, we are creating a new narrative that fosters social and racial equity in the workplace and design community.
66% of African Americans don’t see themselves in firm leadership NCARB Less than 1 in 5 new architects identify as a racial or ethnic minority, including a 16% increase over the past decade. NCARB Black designers account for less than 2% of the membership in ASID. ASID Business ownership, more so than even education, is a tangible pathway to achieve economic parity and close the racial wealth gap. Study conducted by UNLV
SHINE THE LIGHT SCHOLARSHIP
SMBW is committed to the education of emerging design talent. Over the past 30 years, the firm has focused on connecting with the academic community to mentor, collaborate, and support student work through internships and externships, open studios, critiques, mentoring, teaching, and scholarship opportunities. We hope to inspire and support the next generation of black creative leaders through the award of this scholarship.
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Shine The Light