Sitting Down With Jarret Yoshida: “Clients Aren’t the Only Needy Ones” Panel
On Thursday, October 17, 2019 Jarret Yoshida moderated a timely panel with other change-makers in the interior design industry to discuss charitable work. The panel, charmingly titled, Clients Aren’t the Only Needy Ones: Giving Back in Interior Design, was hosted by Knoll Inc. and Knoll Textiles and included four other prominent figures in the interior design industry.
Jarret discussed the panel, the topics covered, and, most importantly, what he gained from the experience.
Could you give a brief description of the event and who attended?
Over 50 people from all design-related fields attended the panel. PR gurus, corporate executives, and many interior designers and architects. The panelists were Knoll’s Senior Vice President of Communications, David Bright, a designer and friend of mine, John Eason, Executive Director of The Alpha Workshops Edward Farrell, and Spread PR Principle Tyler Hamilton Larmee.
Could you give a description of your history with charity and some charitable things/events you have done/been a part of?
I got involved with soliciting people for money when I started volunteering on political campaigns around age 11. Since then, I’ve professional fundraised for the Smithsonian, gay rights, HIV/AIDS, and a Presidential campaign. Now I help volunteer for women and children trying to escape domestic violence and work slavery.
What was one of the questions that got the most interesting response? And what were some of the responses?
I think the question of what inspires people to get off their sofa and get engaged drew an interesting response. While all the answers were unique, ultimately, everyone had been personally touched by the need they saw and the belief that they could make a difference.
Any key takeaways from the event?
We need to be more optimistic about what we can do. We tell ourselves all too often “we can’t” or “I don’t know how” when in fact, we could just as easily say, “I can” and “I can learn.”
Did the event inspire you (in terms of your philanthropic ventures)?
Yes. I need to remember how much more I can do when I tell myself, “Ohhh, nobody will come to my party”.
Any tips for anyone reading on how to get involved in charity work?
Start reaching out to friends who are already doing charity work and they can guide you to organizations that desperately need your help!
Why do you do charity work?
I like helping others and it makes me feel awesome when I meet the recipients of my work. Charity work creates a living legacy of goodness and potential and a stand against feeling helpless.
A positive conclusion to an important panel discussion. Perhaps we can all make an effort to be more socially responsible and venture into the world of charity.
Image Credit: Jeff Sampson