Associate RGDs are invited to apply for a virtual mentor

Apply for the RGD Mentorship Program to be paired up with a Mentor who can prepare you to enter the professional design industry.

Fill out an application by July 13, 2026. On the form, you will be asked to select your top three choices from the list of mentors presented below. This program is only open to Associate RGDs.

Once the pairings of applicants (Mentees) to Mentors have been finalized, Mentees will be put in touch with their Mentor to start the program! The RGD will provide Mentees with a list of discussion topics for each session; however, it is completely up to you and your Mentor what you want to cover in each session. (You are expected to have 5–6 virtual sessions with your Mentor, approx. one hour each between July and December.)

Any Associate RGD not paired with one of our Mentors will be given the opportunity to participate in the Program with a different professional in the industry.

If you have any questions about the program, email zaria@rgd.ca.

Mentors:

 

Sebastian Abboud RGD 
Illustrator & Designer, Co-Founder at Diver in Nanaimo, BC

As your mentor, I will draw from a wide range of experience across in-house roles, teaching undergrads, freelancing and running a small creative studio. I've collaborated with brands that include Adobe, Figma, Google, Shopify, Intercom and MEC and I'm here to offer practical insight, portfolio support and guidance on navigating the industry.

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Konor Abrahams
Senior Designer at StudioDA in Toronto, ON

Seven years ago, I jumped into the design industry wondering what my path would be, what truly interested me and what sort of work I'd settle into. Since then, I've spent time in regarded design studios and agencies working across book design, editorial and brand identity—with a particular focus on art direction of photography and illustration for brands and editorial and general typography. I've had a focus on striving for a strong design voice, a craft-based approach to design, thoughtful ideas and considered typography. Let's work together to help carve your path, find and refine your design voice and hone in on the skills you need to start our career. I can provide advice around working at small studios, larger agencies and how to get your foot in the door. Simultaneously, we can look at your work and push the conceptual thinking and craft behind your projects.

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Marlo Biasutti RGD
Creative Director at M81 Creative in Toronto, ON

As a former instructor at George Brown College, I enjoy supporting emerging designers as they build confidence, clarify their goals and navigate the realities of the profession. As your mentor, I can be a sounding board—listening, asking questions and offering a practical, honest perspective. My experience spans a range of design environments, including working in studios with large teams, running my own business and working across editorial, branding, packaging and web design. I understand the different paths designers can take and the challenges that come with each. I can hope support you as you shape your career and make thoughtful, informed decisions.

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Nancy Bourassa
Graphic Designer at Defence construction canada in Coquitlam, BC

As a senior graphic designer with over 20 years of experience across a wide range of design projects, including advertising and corporate communications, I can help you build your confidence, refine your portfolio and navigate the exciting early years of your career.

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Caroline Bruckner RGD
Design Director at Canadian Tire in Toronto, ON

Having worked both in-house and within agency environments, I can offer diverse perspectives to help guide your career. I have led creative work across a spectrum from corporate design for EY, TMX Group and Deloitte to crafting large scale brand identity systems for brands like Canada Life, the Ontario Government, OLG, First Capital and Avison Young, to retail brand design systems for Canadian Tire, Sport Chek and Triangle Rewards. I'd be happy to share learnings and insights on all that I've encountered along the way, review and provide feedback on creative projects or discuss any other area of design that's on your mind.

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Diana Castaneda RGD
Brand Designer/Manager at TRIUMF in Vancouver, BC

Designers interested in branding and marketing strategy can benefit from my perspective. With a trajectory over 10 years strategizing and managing brands (from startups to consolidated institutions), I can offer a solid mentorship on design systems and creative management.

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Ross Chandler RGD
Principal & Creative Director at Becoming Design Office LTD in Victoria BC

With 20 years of experience working in small studios and as an independent between Toronto, Vancouver and now Victoria, I can give you access to all aspects of a design project. As your Mentor, I can share my experience in the design of thoughtful and expandable brand systems, managing projects including team members and client expectations, dealing with difficult clients, crafting creative concepts for success and more. I look forward to working with you.

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Danielle Coates RGD
Senior Graphic Designer, Exhibitions, at National Geographic Society in Washington, DC, USA

A collaborative and community-focused designer, I specialize in exhibition design with a background in print design. As your Mentor, I can offer insight on working at a firm, in-house and as a freelance designer. My other interests include illustration and how it can be used in design.

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Philip de Castro
UX/UI Designer at Box Clever in Edmonton, AB

Designers navigate multiple concepts, creative blocks, collaboration with different personalities, evolving styles and trends and the pressure of choosing the right path among many possible directions. It is difficult to know where to focus, what skills truly matter and how to grow with confidence. Through my experience working in agencies, freelancing, and across UI/UX design, web design, identity, marketing, layout, photography and videography, I can offer insights into how different disciplines support one another. I want to help you focus on your goals, build strong foundational skills and learn to enjoy the unpredictable, rewarding rollercoaster that comes with a career in design.

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Tyler Dias RGD
Founder, Design Director at Pixels& in Toronto, ON

As your mentor, I will bring a real-world, end-to-end view of the design industry—from strategy and creative direction through execution, presentation and client management. As a studio owner, I've helped designers grow their skills while also navigating the realities of working with stakeholders, managing scope and building a sustainable career. My approach is practical and direct: I listen closely, give honest, actionable feedback and help you turn your strengths into a clear next step—whether that's improving a portfolio, showing up more confidently in interviews or levelling up how you communicate your thinking.

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Julienne Diva
Design Director at Craft Public Relations in Toronto, ON

With over 15 years in design, my career has been a vibrant mix of PR agencies, nimble start-ups, in-house environments and freelance work. As your mentor, I can offer a 360-degree perspective on the industry, helping you navigate these different work environments and find where you truly fit. I know firsthand that representation matters deeply, and I am dedicated to supporting the next generation of women in design. Whether you are looking to thrive in an agency setting, transition in-house or launch and manage your own freelance business, I'll do my best to provide insight and guidance on any questions you have. My approach to both design and mentorship is deeply rooted in wellness. Drawing on a decade of experience in movement and meditation, I can also provide you with the tools to bring calm to the creative chaos, helping you build a sustainable, fulfilling career without burnout

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Craig Edis
Founder/Principal at The Wink Collective in Dartmouth, NS

As your mentor, I'll support you think beyond execution and into influence: how your work connects to business outcomes, how to communicate your value and how to navigate the complexity that sits between design, product and leadership. We'll work through your current challenges, not hypotheticals. That might mean unpacking a project you're struggling with, preparing you for a difficult stakeholder conversation or helping you position yourself for your next career move. I'll challenge your thinking, not just validate it. I see mentorship as a two-way relationship built on trust, openness and curiosity. The goal isn't just to give you answers, but to help you develop your own perspective and decision-making. If you're motivated to grow, ask questions and stretch beyond your comfort zone, I'll meet you there with candour, structure and support.

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Giovanni Ferretti RGD
Lead Designer at Onefluent Inc.

As your mentor, I can help you understand how to tackle creative briefs, collaborate within small and mid-size creative teams, strategically and professionally present your work and the professional process for developing design work from idea to execution. I can review your portfolio and workflows, and provide feedback that's thoughtful, practical and directly applicable to your goals. My own path from graduate studies into a professional studio environment has included both challenges and successes, giving me a well-rounded perspective on entering and growing within the industry. As a brand designer, my experiences have supported me in crafting design solutions with the goal of driving change, both socially and culturally.

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Jennifer Gagnon RGD
Art Director at Creative Currency in Toronto, ON

I began my career in fine art before making the switch to graphic design. I was looking for a path where I could make a meaningful impact while still putting the creative skills I had spent years developing to use. Today, I pride myself on being a multidisciplinary designer, blending strategic thinking with a hands-on creative approach. I'm passionate about exploring new skills and perspectives, and I encourage others to do the same as a way to support both personal and professional growth. As your mentor, I will help you build confidence, navigate new opportunities and discover strengths you may not have realized you had. 

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Rebecca Hirsekorn
Manager, Creative at Outcrop Communications in Calgary, AB

A design career is full of moments where no one tells you what comes next—how to position yourself, build a portfolio that actually opens doors or find the confidence to lead instead of just deliver. I've spent 20 years figuring those things out, working across brand identity, print design, typography and strategic visual communication — in agencies, in-house teams, and with clients that ranged from tourism and government to startups and established brands. As your Mentor, I'm here to help you cut through the noise, set goals that are real and reachable and build a practice/portfolio you're proud of—whether that means sharpening your craft, finding your voice as a creative or making the shift from designer to decision-maker.

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Jim Hopkins RGD
Principal Creative at Baytek in Ottawa, ON

I have been working in the creative industry for over 20 years—first in London, UK as a junior designer all the way to my current position. In that time, I've been a lead designer, creative director, part business owner and have designed nearly everything you can imagine: branding, web, print, trade shows, wayfinding and more. I've never had formal design training—just a desire to create, which combined with my work ethic has kept my career going. The two areas I focus on most are branding and web design—designing for all manner of clients, from small local businesses to national associations. As your mentor, I share this knowledge and experience and provide practical feedback and career advice.

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Cecilia Mok
Senior Designer, Brand Lead at Sinai Health Foundation in Toronto

As your mentor, I can offer insights and guidance as a seasoned in-house creative in not-for-profit and healthcare spaces. I will share experiences to navigate the complexities of an in-house environment, and together, we can raise your value as an individual contributor and team player.

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Erik Mohr
Owner / Creative Director at Made by Emblem in Toronto, ON

With over 25 years working across illustration, editorial design, branding and creative strategy, as your mentor, I offer a grounded, real-world understanding of how ideas move from sketch to story to fully-realized campaigns. I've worked with large corporate clients and grassroots organizations, giving me a broad perspective on how design adapts to different voices, needs and contexts. As a studio founder, I can share insight on collaboration, navigating client relationships, shaping creative processes and building a meaningful, sustainable career. My goal is to be a steady, approachable partner as you grow your confidence and craft.

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Raymundo Pavan Gutierrez
Associate / Senior Experiential Designer at MJMA Architecture and Design in Toronto, ON

Trained in architecture and design strategy and working in a wide range of organizations—including design studios, architectural practices and educational institutions— across both Canada and Mexico, I've developed a broad perspective on how skills and design thinking translate across disciplines and professional contexts. With over a decade of experience in Toronto working on multidisciplinary projects, I can offer insights that span from conceptual and strategic thinking through to project delivery, management and client relationships. While my mentorship style is candid and direct, I'm mindful that I don't have all the answers and remain committed to learning from the people I collaborate with—regardless of where they are in their professional journey.

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Jeff Rae RGD
SVP — Executive Design Director at OneMethod in Toronto, ON

I've spent the last 20+ years bringing stories to life through art and design. At OneMethod, I've shaped its creative process, earned international design awards and worked across a wide range of clients—from the global rebrand of Scotiabank to the development of local restaurant identities. I've also partnered with other leading brands including J&J, Nike, KitKat, Scene+ and F1. In my "off hours", I run Homemade Magazine, my passion project for passion projects. As your mentor, my goal is to help you focus your career path and specialty so that your next step is in the right direction for you.

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Aidan Searle RGD
Art Director/Partner at Hood & Searle Design Inc. in Dartmouth, NS

I have extensive experience in branding and packaging design, primarily in the food and beverage space. I have also branded music festivals, directed music videos, animated music videos and worked on plenty of album artwork. I am inspired by folk art and self-taught artists, and am curious by nature, mostly preferring to work with my hands using analog materials. As your mentor, I hope to inspire you to develop your "core" creative voice and intuition, and can also provide insights if you are working to develop a successful freelance graphic design business.

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Amanda Wood RGD
Senior Design Lead at Wagepoint in Mississauga, ON

As your mentor, I will help you strengthen your strategic thinking, your ability to navigate creative environments and your ability to collaborate effectively with partners across marketing, product and leadership, as well as build your confidence when presenting ideas and. Whether you're early in your career or exploring your next step, I'm happy to share practical insights, offer honest feedback and help you grow as both a designer and creative partner.

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Yihuang Zhou RGD
Senior Designer at Uncommon Creative Studio in Toronto, ON

Focused on brand and type design, I currently work as a freelance senior designer while running my own practice and building an independent type foundry. I've worked across agency, in-house and independent contexts, so I have a practical sense of the tradeoffs for each path. As you mentor, I'm most useful to designers who are thinking about craft and career-market-fit—whether that's developing your point of view, figuring out how to position yourself or understand what it actually takes to build something of your own alongside client work.