Spotlight on Diversity June 2023
Donna Sumner Speaks Out for LGBTQ Inclusion
An industry veteran opens up on authenticity, her Northeast bubble, and the value of employee resource groups at Acuity Brands, Inc.
Growing up in rural North Carolina, Donna K. Sumner was fortunate to have parents who fostered her sense of exploration, wonder, and discovery. With a dream of pursuing an architecture degree, she headed to Temple University in Philadelphia. While studying there, she took up a contract assignment at Lighting Design Collaborative (LDC) to create some renderings for a proposal. That 4 week assignment turned into a job that turned into 8 years and a career. Sumner recalled how John Sarkioglu and Gary Garofalo provided an excellent foundation in lighting as a blend of artistry and technical knowledge, plus valuable mentorship.
Sumner found love during this period and introduced her girlfriend (now wife) to the team at LDC. She had received love and unwavering support from her family when she came out as a lesbian, and as a consequence she was living her life fully. The LDC team welcomed Sumner’s openness and the new relationship. (Even though the receptionist may have grown tired of the constant flower deliveries!)
A different experience
Sumner explained that she and her spouse married three times as the law evolved. First was a ceremony and celebration in 2000 to demonstrate the depth of their mutual commitment. In 2007, civil unions became law in NJ, and the couple wanted to take advantage of these rights and protections. “We were going to just go to City Hall. But when my mom got wind of it, it became a renewal of vows with family and friends,” she recalled. Then in 2013, same-sex marriage became legal across the United States, and they were able to legally wed. “This was a smaller ceremony, but the original minister that officiated at the first two ceremonies was overjoyed to finally marry a same-sex couple. She came out of retirement to marry us – for the third time.” Talk about commitment. “We’re 25 years and still together, reinventing our life year after year.”
Sumner’s career in lighting design blossomed after she joined Susan Brady Lighting Design. Her involvement in the NYC lighting community has led her to serve on The Designers Lighting Forum of New York Board of Managers for several years. She expressed gratitude that her career is established in the Northeast, where diversity and inclusion are commonly valued. But she does not take it for granted. Sumner is mindful that in many parts of the country members of the LGBTQIA+ lighting community do not enjoy the same experience.
The Northeast bubble
“It’s tempting to get lulled into thinking that everyone embraces liberal values, diversity, and inclusion,” Sumner said. “Longtime colleagues ask about Carla, how she’s doing, and she’s often included in dinner invitations. I never feel that I need to hide this hugely important aspect of my life.”
She appreciates colleagues with the courage to speak up when an inappropriate joke or slur is used – whether she’s in the room or not. “Here in the Northeast, whether it’s part of their values or belief structures, allies will call out individuals on their bias or privilege.” She described it as moving the conversation forward, rather than keeping the status quo.
“In general, you can get isolated in your diverse, urban ‘bubble.’ When you go outside that, there sometimes can be a lack of courage to speak up and do the right thing. Not everyone is made for it. I’ve always lived out loud. This is who I am. Right or wrong, I’m going to voice my opinion and speak out when I see injustice.”
This was necessary in the late eighties and nineties, but Sumner emphasized that it is just as important today. “My orientation has not brought a lot of mental anguish. But I’ve seen it over the years, and it definitely is resurging. I have great empathy for those who experience oppression and violence. The country is more dangerous today, and I see myself personally impacted by that and making different choices.”
Equity at Acuity
Acuity’s Brands’ five Employee Resource Groups are intended to propel the company’s DEIR agenda and provide a feedback mechanism to inform senior management. “I’m proud of how we have embraced diversity and inclusion as a core value. Focusing on the whole person is key. Associates bring their whole experience to work and it informs their critical decision-making,” Sumner said. As Director of Architectural Product Solutions for Mark Architectural Lighting and Peerless Lighting, she is active in the PRIDE ERG (People Respecting Identity, Diversity, and Equity).
“Feeling strong inclusion can be overwhelming for some, and these shared experiences and resources encourage individuals to reflect on their own personal perspectives. PRIDE provides a forum for positive associate engagement, and it’s rewarding for those of us who want to take action and create change.”
Impacting the future
A supportive family and Northeast privilege empower Sumner to use her voice in ways that impact the future. “As with all minority groups, there’s an extra layer of consideration that you need to take in how you dress and speak and act; especially if you’re not in diverse urban areas where expressing liberal ideas is reflexive. As an industry, it’s crucial to recognize the challenges and stressors facing lighting professionals across various regions, including political pressures in many states.Thankfully, we have a significant number of openly LGBTQ individuals in our field. Inclusion, authenticity, and representation are vital in our industry, and we must strive to promote them.
“I know that NACLIQ is a catalyst for some of that discussion. But it should be important to all members of the IESNYC to lend a voice that pushes back. We can’t just be passive in our own bubbles.” She quotes Mother Teresa: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
