Volunteers of the Month: Kyle Schruder RGD and Affiliate Member Enid Chen

This January, the RGD thanks Kyle Schruder RGD and Enid Chen for their contributions to the RGD community.

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

Kyle: I started volunteering as a portfolio reviewer shortly after joining in 2017. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Vice-Chair of the Membership Committee, Chair of the Certification Committee, Treasurer and Board Member. It’s been a rewarding journey contributing to the organization from so many different angles.

Enid: I started volunteering in last spring, 2025. I currently serve as on the RGD's Membership Committee and support different RGD staff wherever they need a hand.

What contribution are you most proud of?

Kyle: I’m most proud of leading the launch of the RGD Branding Awards. Watching that program grow from a concept into a major event with entries from across Canada and beyond has been incredibly fulfilling.

Enid: I’m especially proud to have helped to bring back the RGD's Designathon program. Seeing all the moving pieces from the inside, and then seeing how meaningful the final experience was for the community, has been incredibly rewarding.

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

Kyle: I think people assume the RGD is a massive machine where employees drive all the programming. While the staff does an incredible amount of heavy lifting, volunteers actually have significant autonomy to propose ideas and bring them to life. The RGD's new Accessibility website is a prime example of Members stepping up to create a vital resource for the community.

Enid: I’ve been surprised by how organized, collaborative and genuinely passionate everyone is. The amount of thoughtful programming we deliver to the community and the consistency of it, really speaks to how committed the RGD is to strengthening design culture in Canada.

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

Kyle: I’ve learned just how interconnected our industry is. Even in a large city like Toronto, I run into fellow RGDs constantly. It’s a great reminder that we are part of a tight-knit community, and it allows me to build meaningful connections outside my workplace.

Enid: I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how diverse and interconnected the design community is across the country. Volunteering has given me a better perspective on the challenges designers face at different stages of their careers and how much value there is in having structured support, shared resources and strong professional standards.

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

Kyle: The RGD acts as the collective voice for our profession. Whether it’s pushing back on spec work, advocating for accessible design or providing transparency on salaries, it is vital to have an organization that champions the interests of all designers.

Enid: The RGD plays a foundational role in Canada’s design ecosystem. It serves as a mentor, a resource hub, a connector and a community builder. Its work in setting ethical standards, promoting accessibility and improving transparency creates a stronger, healthier design landscape for everyone.

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?

Kyle: I’ve gained a tremendous amount of confidence in my role within the wider industry. Collaborating with designers across the country to build programs has been a unique professional development opportunity that I couldn't have gotten anywhere else.

Enid: Volunteering has given me a sense of belonging and connection with a group that’s both supportive and highly professional. The RGD truly feels like a home base for Canadian designers. If you want to engage with the community at a broader level, this is the place to do it.

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

Kyle: Fresh off the heels of planning the cross-Canada Designathon, I’m taking a brief hiatus to recharge! That said, I have a passion for creating engaging Member events, so I look forward to diving back into programming in the near future.

Enid: I’d love to be involved in more event-building and community engagement initiatives, especially on the West Coast. I hope to help expand the RGD’s presence here.