Five women working across creative fields took the stage at the Columbia Museum of Art recently to share their experiences with an audience of artists, supporters and community members.

The DesignHER panel, organized by the Columbia Design League, marked its fifth year of the Women’s History Month event. The event highlights women in design throughout the Midlands and brings together professionals from a range of disciplines to discuss their work and perspectives.

This year’s March 19 panel featured Christina Smith-Galloway, a gardener and garden designer; Courtney Speight, creative director for corporate communications at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina; Danielle Salley, a freelance creative director and designer; Sally Peek, founder of Nana by Sally hand-made bags business; and Jane Hearn, a sign artist for Trader Joe’s.

The discussion emphasized the breadth of design, with panelists describing careers that span corporate, freelance and hands-on creative environments. Cait Maloney, a board member on the Columbia Design League, said the variety is intentional and aims to introduce audiences to different ways design can take shape.

“We want to kind of expose those areas where you could, like, explore design and then hear firsthand from the people who do it.” Maloney said.

The event opened with a reception where attendees gathered to view artwork, connect with others, enjoy refreshments and prepare for the panel discussion. Organizers emphasized supporting women-led businesses in every aspect of the event.

“All vendors involved, like bartending and all of the things, are women-owned,” Maloney said.

Panel moderator Gretchen Lambert, vice president of Studio 2LR architecture and interior design firm, was excited to return this year after speaking in the 2025 panel.

“The great thing about it was I did not know the other women on the panel with me,” Lambert said. “So, getting to hear their stories, meet them. … It opened me up to new things.”

She said the discussions have the same effect on the audience.

Lambert facilitated the panelists’ discussion about how their work fits within broader definitions of design, including forms that aren’t always immediately recognized as part of the field. Smith-Galloway said the conversation reshaped how she views her own work.

“I thought that what I do did not qualify for what they were talking about,” Smith-Galloway said. “In the conversation, I realized I’m a part of this, too, … as we sow seed on this planet that is design itself.”

She said the experience challenged her assumptions about her role.

“The question I asked was, ‘Why am I on here? I’m just a gardener,’”  Smith-Galloway said. “That word ‘just’ is limiting. And I think that the audience took away that it is so expansive, and there’s so much room for us all in this space of design.”

She also highlighted the role of shared experiences among women in creative fields. 

“As women, we are the ultimate designers,” Smith-Galloway said. “But I think that the importance of conversation is because as women we can see ourselves in other women. … As we hear other women that are like us, we are able to relate and actually go, ‘Yeah, that’s me, too.'” 

Lambert said the panel’s range of experiences can be especially meaningful for younger attendees or those exploring careers in design.

“It is very important, especially being able to … see themselves in these women who are successful, who are out there pushing boundaries,” Lambert said. 

She said being exposed to new ideas and new women is eye-opening. 

“I think it’s going to be hard for someone to walk away without learning new things,” Lambert said. 

Audience members were invited to ask questions after the discussion to extend the conversation beyond the panelists. Attendees raised their hands to introduce new topics personal to them.

Local artist Emily Grego, who took notes throughout the event, asked how the panelists manage the wear and tear their work can have on their bodies. Another attendee, Dana Cooke, a friend of Smith-Galloway, used the opportunity to commend the panelists and their insights.

The Q-and-A session was followed by additional time for informal conversation. Audience members approached the stage to introduce themselves, thank panelists and continue discussions. Organizers and participants said these moments are a key part of the experience because they allow connections to develop beyond the formal program.

Lambert said events like DesignHER can serve as a starting point for future connections within the local design community.

“Hopefully, when you see them in the community or in, you know, other events, you’ll be able to go up to them and be able to continue that connection,” Lambert said.

She also noted the importance of continuing to highlight women’s contributions beyond a single month.

“This is the start of a conversation,” Lambert said. “Not the end.”