Creating a platform for our local creative community
In 2019, our CEO Lauren Gowins along with friend and DWH co-founder, Amber Cornett, established Design Week Huntsville. A multifaceted week-long event series that unites designers from different industries, agencies, students, and young professionals, etc. together to promote and discuss great design in our city.
Although the event was delayed because the pandemic, Design Week Huntsville returned to the city April 12, 2021 with a renewed drive to bring creatives together again. “This event series is a platform to elevate our creative community,” says CEO Lauren Gowins, “it’s one of my biggest passions.”
The free event was held at various locations throughout the city. In addition to being in-person, all sessions were live-streamed on Facebook. “It is important that we keep this event free to remove any barriers from our community attending, especially students” says Gowins, “we could not do this without our amazing sponsors to keep this event growing.” In addition, Design Week Huntsville has partnered with multiple schools in North Alabama for the event, including the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Athens State University, Calhoun Community College, and Oakwood University.
“We have so much rich talent here, both from an organization and a learning capacity,” said Design Week Huntsville Co-Founder Lauren Gowins. “Local area students aren’t aware of the opportunities and the design community in our own backyard and sometimes feel the need to look elsewhere when looking for employment. This event introduces them to the design community here in Huntsville with the intent of developing a resourceful network they can become part of.”
Some of this year’s speakers included SAIC’s Brain Walker, Dapper Dude CEO Derrick Ramey, Jr., Matheny Goldmon owner Paul Matheny, Venue Group President Ryan Murphy, and Art Director Jordan Kabalka.
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