BOSTON––Deepa Venkat IIDA, LEED AP, NCIDQ, WELL AP’s term as IIDA New England Chapter President officially began July 1st. As a Senior Interior Designer at SGA, Venkat brings more than a decade of industry experience to the table.
Having served on the IIDA NE Board for the past four years, she cites her own immigrant story as the catalyst for her, “passion for advocacy, resiliency, and inclusivity.”
Throughout her presidency, Venkat hopes to highlight the diverse backgrounds present among the organization’s membership of more than 550 industry professionals while inspiring them to take on leadership roles; consistently show up as their whole selves; and to embrace their differences as an advantage.
At the Annual Meeting & Volunteer Celebration on June 27th, Deepa took the stage to address the members directly. Highlighting her goals for this 2023 – 2024 term.
“As IIDA New England President, I will strive to ensure that IIDA New England embraces diversity, responsiveness, and is a better reflection of the society we serve and what is best for our community,” shared Venkat. “I strive to create a culture of belonging and personal value for everyone as we create meaningful human experiences with creative solutions for the built environment.”
With big objectives, Venkat has promised to work in tandem with the IIDA New England 2023 President-elect, Colleen Wallace of Gensler, to ensure the next two years of leadership make a lasting impact on the organization.
Throughout the event, Deepa spoke about all of the resources offered by the IIDA New England Chapter. She encouraged members to find something they are passionate about, and pursue it. Sharing insight into her own journey and professional development as a member, recommending everyone join a committee, take on a leadership position, attend peer groups, participate in the organization’s advocacy efforts, seek out or become a mentor, and to continuously develop skills at the multitude of CEUs offered by the organization.
“At SGA, we’re passionate about making space for each and every employee to seek out professional development opportunities,” shares Gable Clarke, LEED AP, NCIDQ Partner and President of Interior Design at SGA. “Deepa has provided many years of service to IIDA and we’re proud to see her recognized as New England Chapter President.”
