Volunteer of the Month: Associate RGDs Angela Drupsteen and Roxanne Hammond

How long have you been volunteering with the RGD, and in what capacity?

Angela: I have been volunteering with the RGD since September 2024. I started on the Student Committee. Then I joined the Associate Committee in October 2025, and just recently I became part of the Education Committee. I also have had the privilege of volunteering at DesignThinkers in Toronto in 2024 and 2025.

Roxanne: I have been volunteering with the RGD since the second year of my program. Joining the Student Committee gave me the opportunity to contribute to event planning and help students stay connected during the pandemic through online initiatives on Discord. Through this experience, I became one of the Student Committee Co-Chairs, which was incredibly rewarding. It was a privilege to support students in connecting with resources and with the broader design community. I am helping with Mentorship as part of the Associate Committee and continue to support DesignThinkers Toronto whenever possible.

“Angela has been involved with the Project Based Mentorship Program for only a few short months. In that time, she's contributed significantly with helping with the matching process and being a support during Project Review Nights. Angela is always willing to jump in when help is needed and she reliably follows through with careful consideration when something is asked of her.”

Rupsha Mutsuddi Associate RGD

What contribution are you most proud of / What experience/memory stands out for you?

Angela: I am most proud that I was able to help Rupsha Mutsuddi Associate RGD with organizing the Project-based Mentorship Program for the Winter 2025 round by pairing student applicants with their mentors. It was amazing to see the progress of each group’s work during the project review nights, and I can’t wait to help again with the Spring 2026 round!  

Roxanne: I've been proud or excited when I have participated in events that helped students change their perception of our industry and learn that there is a community waiting for them after school. Graduation can be really overwhelming for students and grads, especially trying to find a job or pursuing freelancing, speaking from my own personal experience. Seeing students gain confidence during events such as Project Review Night or during the Mentorship Program will always resonate with me. It takes guts to be able to talk about your work, and I think we can all remember being in that position as a student.

What is the most surprising/unexpected thing about volunteering with the RGD?

Angela: The most surprising thing about volunteering has been discovering how friendly and inviting everyone was. Students, Associate and Certified RGD Members as well as all the staff of the RGD work seamlessly together and have all been so encouraging and welcoming. It is such a supportive environment.

Roxanne: One of the most surprising aspects of volunteering with the RGD has been the willingness of people to support one another. When you reach out, RGD Members show up and are genuinely willing to help.

“Roxanne has been involved with the Project Based Mentorship Program, since its inception. Her contributions have been integral in shaping the program, and she is always keen to help with the many different facets of the program which include Project Review Nights, Matching and helping draft Mentorship Briefs. She's also being involved in other capacities and always brings a bright positive attitude, no matter what initiative she's a part of.”

Rupsha Mutsuddi Associate RGD

What have you learned about the industry since volunteering for the RGD?

Angela: I have learned that attitude and personality are just as important as talent and experience when it comes to succeeding in the industry. You won’t get very far if you can’t be a supportive team player.

Roxanne: Talk to everyone. Design can feel isolating sometimes, so this was huge for me as someone who was newly trying to find my footing as a freelancer where gatekeeping can occur. People want to help, and you can learn so much from everyone. But when it comes to community, you get out what effort you put in, so make sure you're doing what you can to contribute, uplift and help others. It has been so inspiring to volunteer alongside so many amazing minds within our industry and hear about their journeys.

Based on your experience volunteering with the RGD, how would you describe the organization's role in the industry?

Angela: The RGD plays a vital role supporting and expanding the design industry in Canada. Events like DesignThinkers allow designers opportunities to meet with other like-minded individuals and learn about new and inspiring techniques, trends and technologies that will help us grow as designers. The RGD offers support and resources for all levels of designers, from brand new junior designers to well-established professionals with decades of experience–and creates a safe space for everyone to come together and learn from one another.

Roxanne: Based on my experience, the RGD plays an important role building a strong and supportive design community. It creates opportunities for emerging designers and professionals to connect, learn and grow through year-round programming. The organization’s advocacy, particularly around issues like spec work, and supporting designers in advocating for themselves, is something I strongly value.

What have you gained from being an RGD volunteer, and why would you recommend it to other Members who might be thinking of getting involved?

Angela: I have met some amazing people while volunteering with the RGD and have learned so much about the design industry. As a volunteer, I’m proud that I can say that I’ve helped in some small way with important programs and events that the RGD offers. I would recommend volunteering with the RGD to other Members as it’s a great way to get involved in the design community and surround yourself with encouraging and like-minded people.

Roxanne: As an RGD volunteer, I've gained so much from being able to participate and hear from guest presenters and speakers. It impacted me as an emerging designer finding my place in our industry and it is so worth it. There’s often a misconception that volunteering is too time-consuming but my experience has been the complete opposite. As I mentioned, you really do get out what you put in.  Being involved helped me meet with designers who otherwise I would have never been able to connect with. It's helped me build my confidence with networking and being involved in our industry in ways I didn't know existed. Volunteering is a unique and valuable opportunity, and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering getting involved. Do one thing that intimidates you every day, and if volunteering is that, then jump in. You won't regret it!

Do you have thoughts on what you might like to do as a volunteer with the RGD in the future? 

Angela: In addition to continuing to volunteer with the Associate Committee, the Education Committee and volunteering at future DesignThinkers events, I would one day like to volunteer as a mentor and offer guidance for the next generation of designers. 

Roxanne: I'm very excited with what we are cooking up with the Discord Associate Committee. However, I'm very open and receptive to helping with planning more events, specifically in-person and hopefully in the Kitchener-Waterloo region.