The IIDA Foundation announced the recipients of the 2024 John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship, a fund established to support diversity and further the study of interior design and architecture by students of African American descent.

Scholarship recipients include Kiaira Coates of Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, and Charles Forkwa of the University of Minnesota, Maple Grove, Minnesota.

“As an association and community, honoring this year’s recipients is especially meaningful with the passing of John J. Nelson Sr. His generosity, vision, and legacy continue to elevate diverse and talented voices within the next generation of designers,” said IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO, Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA. “IIDA Foundation, IIDA members, and these exceptional Black IIDA students make up a strong collective that continues to build, amplify, and celebrate the future of the profession.”

With a mission to promote inclusivity and accessibility across the design profession, John J. Nelson Sr.’s legacy gift to the IIDA Foundation supports young designers of African American descent through an annual scholarship program offering monetary aid.

Applications were reviewed by the Scholarship Fund Evaluation Committee and the IIDA Foundation Board of Trustees. The distinguished evaluation committee included Hickok Cole Associate Principal and Director of Interiors, Mike Johnson II, IIDA, NOMA; Edwards + Mulhausen Senior Interior Designer, Krystal Lucero, IIDA; O|A Object Agency Founder and Principal, Jon Otis, IIDA; and Forward Space Design Manager, Kimberly Martin, IIDA.

For more information about this or other IIDA Foundation programs, please contact Continuing Education Manager Mary Tokar at [email protected].