2020 has been a year of change and reflection. “We know that not all people are treated equally in our society and that the problem of systemic racism is very real,” says PepsiCo Senior Vice President and Chief Design Officer Mauro Porcini. “This year it became clearer than ever that we need to make a change, especially in the creative industry where lack of diversity is a fact and a real issue.”

As part of a company-wide effort to bolster marginalized voices in our community, on December 8, 2020, we hosted a “Design for Diversity” talk, open to members of PepsiCo’s Design teams around the world. Our goal was to shed light on the ways the creative industry can increase diversity and how designers can embrace the power of their identities to fuel creativity while navigating industry barriers and potential solutions.

D’Wayne Edwards, founder of Pensole Design Footwear Academy and former Design Director of Nike’s Jordan Brand, was a featured speaker, alongside other panelists from across PepsiCo and the creative industry. Edwards spoke movingly about his career journey, overcoming adversity, dreaming big, and more.

Watch his presentation and other event highlights.