DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Sangeetha Kowsik, founder of Ihsan Ishan Design, is a trailblazing speaker and educator
specializing in diversity, inclusion, and designing with cultural sensitivity.
She has delivered impactful lectures at leading museums, universities, corporations, institutions
drawing from her unique experiences as a rare South Asian woman in the creative industries.
The first woman of color to lead a design team at The Metropolitan Museum of Art,
she established mentorship programs for women and international students to address the lack of diversity in the arts.
A trained Arabic calligrapher and Hindu priestess, she offers insights into the spiritual and cultural significance of global cultures, developing and designing custom projects for holidays, ensuring inclusively without disrespecting any culture or faith.
Her career spans with brands such as Estée Lauder, Tiffany & Co., Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Vans, and became the first South Asian woman to launch a streetwear brand featured in Transworld Skateboarding.
Sangeetha educates, creates, and inspires to embrace diversity and cultural understanding,
creating stronger connections across communities.
LECTURE - DIVERSITY IN ART AND DESIGN WITHIN SOUTH ASIAN CULTURES AND FAITHS, AND DESIGNING INCLUSIVELY AND RESPECTFULLY
“CLOSEKNIT” BRAND FEATURED IN TRANSWORLD SKATEBOARDING
LECTURE - EASTERN FAITHS AND CONNECTION TO DESIGN
LECTURE - THE IMPORTANCE OF ARABIC TYPEFACES & CALLIGRAPHY
“She is a multifaceted, forward-thinking designer / speaker who draws from her extensive background in visual art, branding, merchandising, and fashion design. Her love for traditional art, culture, and spirituality from around the world also deeply informs her creative process.”
“She brings thoughtfulness, sensitivity, talent and a truly global view to her work, which is all too rare these days.”