2026-27 RGD Board Nominees

The Annual General Meeting of Members will be held virtually on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 6–9 PM ET.

This meeting will review the Association’s accomplishments over the past year and appoint Directors to the Board for 2026–2027.

The following Certified RGD Members are running for election to the RGD Board of Directors for a term beginning at the 2026 Annual Meeting in April and continuing until the 2027 Annual Meeting:

Julian's Goals: I want to continue helping the RGD reach different types of designers, like myself in the niche of motion design. I’ll use my expertise through the Design Committee to collaborate with design partners to craft strategic messages that capture the attention of practising designers. It’s my goal that the organization continues to change with the times and grow its Membership while upholding the ethics and professionalism on which the RGD is built. On that front, I want the RGD to be vocal in calling for more ethical AI platforms and advocating to clients why this is important and valuable to them. I believe designers and creatives have more power in this area than we realize.

Meghan's Goals: Working as an in-house designer on a very small (sometimes solo) team, the RGD has helped me build connections within the design community and foster my career growth on a budget. My goals for the RGD Board focus on community building, especially among in-house and solo designers, freelancers and new designers who may not have an established community or regular interaction with other creatives. I am a strong believer in the value of the RGD’s resources and would love to find ways to leverage content from events, webinars and other initiatives to expand what is available and provide mentorship for those looking for support.

Michelle's Goals: I aim to continue enhancing the visibility of creatives of all abilities and strengthening their sense of community. The industry continues to fail designers with disabilities with regard to access and flexibility. On the RGD Board, I will continue to raise awareness and champion inclusive spaces where designers of all abilities feel supported and connected. As an RGD Board Member, I represent designers with disabilities within the larger design community and to the public, a role I take seriously. With inclusivity, we are all better positioned to help each other and provide mentorship and support for current and future RGDs. Through my work with the Certification Committee, I will continue to champion the RGD designation and support designers aiming to become Certified RGDs by improving our processes and policies so that we, as an organization, remain relevant.

Kyle's Goals: Serving on the RGD Board has deepened my belief that strong professional communities require deliberate investment in the people who make them up. As a returning director, my focus will be on strengthening the pathways that connect Members to meaningful opportunities to contribute: better onboarding for new RGDs, clearer value for seasoned practitioners and more intentional programming that reflects the full breadth of our profession. Through my work on the Membership Committee and volunteering on initiatives like the Designathon, I’ve seen firsthand how engaging with the RGD can contribute to your design practice. I want to build on that momentum. My goal is to help Members feel genuinely supported at every stage of their careers and to contribute to an organization that continues to set the standard for what a design association can be.

Aidan's Goals: As an RGD Board Member, it is essential for me to continue helping to build a strong and diverse design community in my region of Halifax, and beyond. I will champion the RGD’s values and encourage other designers to get involved with the organization. I will continue to mentor emerging designers through the RGD and continue community initiatives that focus on demonstrating to young people that pursuing careers in creative industries can lead to fulfilling lives and rewarding professions.

Emma's Goals: As an RGD Board Member, I aim to foster a rich and compelling design community committed to contributing to positive impact through sustainable design practices. My focus is building the ever-evolving knowledge and capacity we all need to guide clients and ourselves towards meaningful, ethical and restorative pathways through design. I am committed to mentoring designers at all stages of their career, and building bridges between design, academia and government for more integrated engagement and collaboration. By listening to our incredible RGD Members, my goal is to respond to their needs and create a space where they feel supported, valued and ready to take on the challenges of future-positive design. I believe the RGD is an integral asset to this country, and, as a Board Member, I will leverage this opportunity to build as many pathways as possible.

Zia's Goals: As a recently Certified RGD, I’m excited to bring a fresh and distinct perspective to the RGD Board. During my time on the Board, I hope to focus my efforts on the following:

• Strengthen the RGD’s presence in West Coast Canada in ways that support national priorities while reflecting the distinct needs of designers in the region.
• Develop a deeper understanding of the challenges facing today’s design professionals and explore how a modern professional association can better support an evolving industry.
• Advocate for a broader view of the design profession, recognizing that creative roles are increasingly interdisciplinary, multifaceted and rapidly changing with technology.
• Actively engage in these goals through the Events Committee and local event planning.

Through this work, I hope to help ensure the RGD continues to grow as a relevant, inclusive and forward-looking community for designers across the country.