Spotlight on Diversity June 2022
For LGBTQ Pride Month, IESNYC profiles Jordan Cohen
Get to know him before you enjoy the 2022 Lumen Awards AfterGlow party he designed!
According to Jordan Cohen, sales rep at International Lights, he’s been in lighting for his entire life. “I used to do the lighting for all the school productions; from helping in elementary school all the way through my college theatrical lighting program,” he explained.
Cohen moved from college productions on to Broadway and Madison Square Garden, and then went to work with Matthew Tirschwell at his new architectural lighting design firm around 2000. “Lighting has always been an obsession. I like to create moods and scenarios with light. It’s just something that I’ve been doing forever,” he explained. “I’ve dabbled in other things, but they never stick. Once you’re in lighting you’re stuck. You can’t get out…but in a good way!”
Cohen developed his skills and contacts at Johnson Schwinghammer and Filament 33 before he switched to manufacturing. He started in sales running the Zumtobel showroom with Karin Zumtobel, and then transitioned to International Lights about 19 years ago. He calls on specifiers of all stripes and plans all the International Lights events. Every year, IESNYC enjoys Cohen’s talents on display: he lights the AfterGlow party during the Lumen Awards Gala.
A number of mentors have helped and guided Cohen throughout his life, training, and career. “And that continues now.” Cohen cites International Light Principals Mitchell Bloomberg and Jim Panichella as his current mentors. “They’ve definitely encouraged me to sit back and listen to people, especially mentors. To not take people or projects for granted, and to curb my expectations. They’ve also taught me a lot about making smart business decisions. We’re all part of this business together, and you have to make decisions that maintain relationships – sometimes on the fly.” He describes Bloomberg and Panichella as family-oriented business owners.
Cohen is gay and lives with his partner of 10 years. “Being gay has never really impacted my work. We’re both busy. We travel for work together. I help out at his place of business occasionally.”
His family accepted his sexual orientation immediately and he was never harassed at Emerson College or NYU. “I’ve been very much accepted throughout my life.” Cohen also feels his Jewish identity strongly and is close to his family.
After family and lighting, Cohen is dedicated to his work as a firefighter. He has been fortunate to have summered on Fire Island since he was small and has volunteered as a firefighter there for 28 years. He now serves as Second Assistant Chief at the Fire Island Pines Fire Department.
