be original americas, the non-profit advocacy organization established to educate and inform design professionals, consumers, educators, students and media about the value of authenticity in designs, begins its 11th year by announcing the formation of three committees. these committees will address the following key strategic areas:

developed to increase visibility and develop new avenues for outreach and education. this committee will plan & support the be original americas fellowship and other programs surrounding education. they will also develop opportunities for outreach to architecture & design firms and universities, as well as update & promote the current ceu accredited courses.
as a non-profit organization, membership and fundraising are key to the success of the be original americas’ mission. this committee will work to expand the membership base and encourage renewals, as well as develop fundraising ideas, special events and other opportunities. they will review and expand upon the current member categories and benefits.
there is strength in numbers and cultivating a community. this committee will plan & support events including town halls, panel discussions, special exhibitions, happy hours & lectures. they will also help develop and plan the annual meeting, which will be held february 6th, 2024, in new york city. they will ideate additional public relations and social media opportunities.

advocacy & education committee:
chairperson: amy auscherman, director, archives & brand heritage, millerknoll
kenneth baker, managing principal, gensler – north central region
odile hainaut, co-founder, wanteddesign & icff brand director
rebecca steiger, senior associate & creative director, tpg architecture
jenny hackley, creative marketing manager, lekker home

membership & fundraising committee:
chairperson: ricardo nabholz, managing associate, studio creative director, tpg architecture
cory grosser, creative director & owner, cory grosser & associates
annie kantor, founder & director of design, modern metal
patricia kittredge, sr. vice president of growth & innovation, lumens community & promotion:
chairperson: john edelman, president & ceo, heller
robert sargent, sales & business development manager, n.a., anglepoise
carly conelli, managing director, n.a., louis poulsen
alex enzbigilis, director of sales, rosendahl design group us
claire pijoulat, co-founder, wanteddesign & icff brand director

coming off the success of the 2022- 2023 exhibition, originality deconstructed, held at ace hotel in new york, palm springs and los angeles as well as a lively auction by wright/toomey & co., be original americas looks to increase its awareness and activities in support of our members and their authenticity & creativity.

[ about be original americas ]
be original americas is a non-profit creative advocacy organization committed to informing, educating, and influencing manufacturers, craftsman, design professionals, educators, media, and consumers about the economic, ethical and environmental value of authentic design.

[ media contacts ]
beth dickstein, bde&co., beth@bdeandco.com; m: 917-969-3808
karen brooking, bde&co., karen@bdeandco.com; m: 917-733-7898