PepsiCo and Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, the first and only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) dedicated to design, are marking the first step in their three-year partnership to develop Black designers and increase representation in the design industry with a program tasking students to create a new student lounge on campus. 

Together, PepsiCo and Pensole Lewis aim to address the diversity gap in the design industry by providing students with access to mentorship, apprenticeships, and job opportunities.

Designers from the PepsiCo Design & Innovation team and MillerKnoll mentored Pensole Lewis students through the design process. The winning concept will be brought to life this summer. In addition, NBA star Russell Westbrook, who shares the partnership’s mission, will work to further amplify the effort and unveil the completed lounge when complete.

"Education has always been a cause I've been passionate about. I'm proud to partner with PepsiCo to give Pensole Lewis students the recognition they deserve for their hard work and creativity," said Westbrook.

The winning design was formed by Pensole Lewis students Rodney Banks and Angel Buckens. Students were assessed for how the lounge featured elements that united design principles and functional elements including branding, vending equipment, workstations, MillerKnoll furniture, and more. The space will be dedicated to a close friend and mentor of Pensole Lewis Founder Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, Author Kevin Carroll.

Lounge concepts were assessed by the likes of SVP and Chief Design Officer at PepsiCo, Mauro Porcini; Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, MillerKnoll SVP of Global Real Estate, Architecture and Development, Matthew Stares; and radio personality Angela Yee.

"In developing this program, PepsiCo made it clear they shared Pensole Lewis's mission in making the design field more accessible by creating more opportunities within it," said Dr. D'Wayne Edwards. "We've seen the success that comes with opening students' eyes to new career paths in the industry and unlocking more ways they can apply their talents. With programs backed by partners that have the scale and breadth of PepsiCo and MillerKnoll, we can push the industry forward by developing, training, and shaping the next generation of talented Black designers."

Following the competition, PepsiCo has awarded design apprenticeships to Rodney and Angel. They will participate in 10-week summer apprenticeships with the PepsiCo Design & Innovation team in New York City. 

This program falls under PepsiCo’s Racial Equality Journey, a more than $400 million investment over five years, to increase Black representation at the company, support Black-owned businesses, and create economic opportunities in these communities.