Black Stories/25: Joel Okpala

Amazon Design Black Stories logo against a colorful mosaic background of red, green, yellow, and black dots

Joel Okpala, Sr. Store Designer, joins Media Producer Justin James Lopez for a chat about critical issues of diversity in design and the challenges faced by Black designers. Let’s hear his story!

Joel Okpala is a Senior Store Designer at Amazon, where his passion for the richness and diversity of global cultures shines through in his work. From food and clothing to language and, most notably, architecture, Joel draws inspiration from the world’s varied cultural tapestries. An architect and designer by trade, his design philosophy is deeply rooted in human connection. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joel is a dedicated family man, proudly taking on the roles of father, husband, and son to an incredible mother. A fun fact about Joel: he firmly believes that Nigerian Jollof reigns supreme in the world of cuisine, a testament to his vibrant cultural heritage.

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