The Over My Shoulder Foundation, founded by Dawn Carroll, award-wining stone designer at Cumar, Inc. and Grammy Award winner Patti Austin, is proud to have inspired Design New England Magazine’s Mentors in Design Awards (MIDDIES). The MIDDIES recognize design professionals who share their time, expertise, and wisdom with upcoming generations of designers.

With the goal of raising awareness of the impact that mentoring can have both cross-culturally and cross-generationally, the Over My Shoulder Foundation has garnered tremendous support. From musicians to authors to everyday individuals, the circle of influence the Foundation has attained continues to grow. Now, with the MIDDIES, Over My Shoulder is able to share its passion for peer support and personal growth in the New England design community.

Founder Patti Austin explains, “Our goal is to break down the barriers that separate generations of people and cultures. Through mentoring, we are all increasingly interdependent on each other, rather than independent individuals. And, because of people’s interdependency, the foundation hopes to foster respect, diversity, culture, and individuality.”

Published by Boston Globe Media, Design New England is a high-end furnishings and home design magazine. The official launch of the MIDDIES and start of the nomination process will occur on Wednesday, November 3 at Design New England’s fourth anniversary celebration, an invitation-only gala at the W Hotel and Residences in Boston’s Back Bay. After review, honorees will be announced during January, National Mentoring Month.