In this episode of 4% Amplified, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the design industry’s biggest problem: the lack of representation of Black and marginalized creatives.

Sunni, your host, gets real about what it means to navigate a career in an industry that often overlooks talent from underrepresented backgrounds. But this isn’t just about obstacles it’s about transformation.

This is a powerful and honest conversation about representation, resilience, and why we can’t rely on good intentions alone. Sunni shares her personal journey, the systemic issues she’s faced, and the deep need for community, mentorship, and real accountability in corporate DEI efforts.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be inspired to take action whether in your company, your classroom, your creative circles, or your own life.

You’ll learn:

Why diversity efforts often fail and how to fix them. How representation in media and design shapes our worldview. The power of mentorship and community for marginalized creatives. How to hold companies (and yourself) accountable for real change.

Resources & References from This Episode

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Labor Force data by race and ethnicity (00:00:25)
• AIGA Design Census 2021 – Snapshot of diversity in the design industry (00:01:00)
• U.S. Department of Labor – Affirmative action study showing white women as primary beneficiaries (00:03:07)
• McKinsey & Company – Diversity Wins Report – Only 20% of companies had actionable DEI strategies (00:04:00)
• Birth of a Nation (1915) – Discussed as one of the earliest films spreading harmful racial stereotypes (00:10:21)

• IATSE Union – Shared in the context of design union work in film and TV (00:15:00)

Connect with Sunni:
Website: sunniaesthetics.com
LinkedIn: Shari Fairclough

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