The UNITE Initiative

The UNITE Initiative launched to diversify the portraiture within NIH buildings to recognize the contributions of all NIH staff and engender a spirit of inclusion by acknowledging the rich diversity of our NIH workforce.

The project was spearheaded by NIH cancer researcher, Sadhana Jackson, M.D. Recognizing that the artwork in shared or public spaces encodes an institution’s values and provides messages to its members about belonging.

This project aims to highlight inclusive excellence to help foster organizational change and a sense of belonging among underrepresented groups in administrative, scientific, and executive careers at the NIH. This part of UNITE is in the main hallway of the largest building on NIH campus. Each portrait features a hand rendered portrait of a current NIH community member who has contributed to the expansion of public health knowledge.

As lead designer/illustrator I used the established NIH palette to unify pieces and show that NIH is part of everyone. I created patterns that overlap and intertwine to show the connections between people and science and the world. We also did multiple historic quotes highlighting the need for diversity in knowledge and letadership.

This project was recognized by the AIGA and Graphic Design USA for design excellence and was bestowed the last NIH Director’s Award from outgoing Director Dr. Francis Collins. To learn more, click here.