The Experience Industry Management Department was given the President’s Diversity Award for its innovative and inclusive initiative, the Pop-Up Resilience Room. The project was selected for the award for exemplifying Cal Poly’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

For five weeks during spring quarter, the Experience Industry Management Department successfully designed a dedicated space for neuroinclusion at the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market. A student team, guided by Lecturer Amber Karson and Professors Keri Schwab and Marni Goldenberg, created the Resilience Room — a calm, welcoming environment for individuals who experience sensory overwhelm or overstimulation in public settings. Located inside the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Resilience Room was open and free to all, offering a place to pause, recharge and rejoin the market at one’s own pace. This initiative, part of the research project “Designing for Neuroinclusion at Farmers Markets”, was made possible through the Cal Poly Experience Industry Management Department, a Cultural Arts and Community Promotions grant from the City of San Luis Obispo, the Downtown SLO Farmers Market, and Karson Butler Events.

The Pop-Up Resilience Room initiative represents more than just a physical space — it is an example of how Cal Poly’s Experience Industry Management Department is making a meaningful difference in the lives of community members. Through this initiative, Cal Poly is advancing the conversation on neuroinclusivity and demonstrating how small but impactful changes can create a more equitable and inclusive public environment.