12.19.24
Benjamin Moore, Black Interior Designers Network (BIDInc) and Howard University announced the Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Kimberly Elaine Ward Scholarship has been awarded to Kayla Chambers.
“This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for our organization and the students we aim to support,” said Keia McSwain, president of BIDInc. “At the heart of this initiative is our commitment to empowering young African American students, like Kayla, to excel in the field of interior design, a path that has not been readily accessible or encouraged. Through this scholarship, we are setting the stage for aspiring designers to receive the necessary support, upliftment, and resources to thrive.”
The scholarship aims to support and promote the education and professional development of aspiring interior designers. Sponsored by Benjamin Moore, this $30,000 net monetary award is used to support tuition fees and other educational expenses such as books and housing.
“A scholarship is more than immediate financial relief, it is an investment of lifelong impact that sets up yet unimaginable opportunities,” added Dr. Raimi Gbadamosi, chair of the Department of Art at Howard University.
A second-year Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts student, Chambers is pursuing a degree in Interior Design with a minor in Business Administration. Her goal is to own an interior design firm as well as jumpstarting a non-profit organization that aims to use design in underserved communities.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to change, thrive, create and grow,” Chambers says.
“At Benjamin Moore, we champion inclusion and diversity,” said Rachel Willard-Chang, senior manager, DE&I and social impact at Benjamin Moore. “Through our commitment to providing best-in-class products, programs and services for the industry, alongside BIDInc, we are committed to contributing to a design community that is inclusive, equitable and transformative.”
The award ceremony took place earlier this fall.
“This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for our organization and the students we aim to support,” said Keia McSwain, president of BIDInc. “At the heart of this initiative is our commitment to empowering young African American students, like Kayla, to excel in the field of interior design, a path that has not been readily accessible or encouraged. Through this scholarship, we are setting the stage for aspiring designers to receive the necessary support, upliftment, and resources to thrive.”
The scholarship aims to support and promote the education and professional development of aspiring interior designers. Sponsored by Benjamin Moore, this $30,000 net monetary award is used to support tuition fees and other educational expenses such as books and housing.
“A scholarship is more than immediate financial relief, it is an investment of lifelong impact that sets up yet unimaginable opportunities,” added Dr. Raimi Gbadamosi, chair of the Department of Art at Howard University.
A second-year Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts student, Chambers is pursuing a degree in Interior Design with a minor in Business Administration. Her goal is to own an interior design firm as well as jumpstarting a non-profit organization that aims to use design in underserved communities.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to change, thrive, create and grow,” Chambers says.
“At Benjamin Moore, we champion inclusion and diversity,” said Rachel Willard-Chang, senior manager, DE&I and social impact at Benjamin Moore. “Through our commitment to providing best-in-class products, programs and services for the industry, alongside BIDInc, we are committed to contributing to a design community that is inclusive, equitable and transformative.”
The award ceremony took place earlier this fall.
