Eight Associate RGDs receive Scholarships to attend DesignThinkers 2025 in Toronto
With the support of our sponsors, the RGD has awarded eight $500 scholarships to Associate RGDs to attend DesignThinkers 2026 in Toronto on October 1 and 2.
Applicants were invited to submit one design project from their personal, school or professional portfolio. Each recipient received a free registration and $500 to help cover their costs to attend.
Thank you to this year's Scholarship Sponsors: Fusion, Pound & Grain, Cinnamon Toast, Him & Her Inc., Razor, Davis Agency, Pixels and Pencils and Paul Jen Communications Inc.
Below, we share the submitted work of our recipients:
Madeline Belford Associate RGD
Project: Guerilla Gardening
Sponsor: Davis.
This thesis project, created by Madeline in her final year of study, combined four months of research and writing with four months of creative development. Madeline chose Guerilla Gardening for its focus on social change, community building and rich research foundation. The movement transforms unused spaces into green, community-oriented areas, offering a response to eco-anxiety by empowering individuals to take local action. Madeline designed a marketing campaign to raise visibility and provide entry points for participation. The campaign included both digital and physical touch points, including a seed bomb vending machine, customizable posters and seed paper “take one” slips. Inspired by guerrilla movements, the branding features collage, graffiti-style typography and bold natural colours. A hand-rendered logo and playful icons reinforce the system’s approachable tone.
Santiago Barrera Associate RGD
Project: XYLAB | Artificial Intelligence & Design Exhibition
Sponsor: Pound & Grain
In 2021, before AI-generated art entered the mainstream, Santiago created XYLAB to reframe AI. Many young creatives feared the new technology would make their skills obsolete, so Santiago challenged that mindset through an interactive exhibition. XYLAB combined research on designer attitudes with a custom algorithm linking Blender to AI-driven graphic generation, producing unique visuals for every participant. The exhibition featured real-time interactive zones using motion, temperature and noise tracking, along with branded materials, a guidebook and a prototype app for ongoing collaboration. The experience positioned AI as a catalyst for creativity and community—a lesson that has only grown more relevant as AI continues to shape our industry.
Danielle Clark Associate RGD
Project: Happy Cramps
Sponsor: Paul Jen Communications Inc.
Danielle created this packaging and brand identity to resonate with Gen Z and Millennial audiences. It is modern and clean while still feeling approachable and community-focused. Unlike many natural pain relief brands that appeared outdated or overly clinical, Danielle’s solution highlights natural benefits while fostering inclusivity. The identity features a soothing, contemporary palette, minimal forms and easy-to-use packaging. The logo doubles as both a smiling face and figures holding hands reinforcing the brand’s message of community and joy, while a subtle “m” references menstrual relief.
Jen Gilbert Associate RGD
Project: Proud To Be, Gilbert Family History
Sponsor: Him & Her
This is the first in a five-part series documenting one family’s Jewish history. Created as both a school and client project, the book preserves stories, images and documents at risk of being lost, particularly following the passing of both grandmothers. Against the backdrop of past persecution and rising antisemitism, the book is a living legacy to honour ancestors and inspire future generations. The 96-page design balances archival photos, letters and storytelling with thoughtful production choices. A lay-flat Coptic bind symbolizes unfinished journeys, while glossy vinyl details nod to a beautiful life built in Canada. Complemented by heirlooms, photo wells and small sewn-in booklets, the project is a tactile, engaging record that preserves memory and reaches readers inside and outside the family.
Ji Woo Lim Associate RGD
Project: (PO)MEDIC
Sponsor: Pixels&
POMEDIC is a mobile healthcare app that supports patients with chronic conditions by improving accessibility and equality in healthcare. It offers online prescription syncing, map services to locate pharmacies, easy ordering and delivery, medication reminders, daily health checkups and secure messaging with healthcare professionals. The project was inspired by CLEANMEDS, a program by the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions that demonstrated how providing free medications improves quality of life and prevents costly complications. Having engaged with CLEANMEDS research during their academic years—and drawing from personal experience navigating healthcare challenges in Canada—Ji Woo expanded this concept into a digital service model. POMEDIC emphasizes inclusivity and convenience, placing essential healthcare functions directly in users’ hands and reducing barriers to access.
Brianna Petrut Associate RGD
Project: Self Promotional Mailer
Sponsor: Razor Creative Solutions Inc.
Brianna created this bold self-promotion piece to help her stand out after graduating from her design program. Rather than relying on a traditional business card or email, Brianna created a lightweight, budget-friendly newspaper that combines work samples, CV and cover letter into one cohesive format. With guidance from her RGD mentor Amelia Nash RGD, Brianna refined the files, produced a small print run and mailed copies to agencies and professionals she admired. The project received enthusiastic responses, resulting in coffee chats, discovery calls and offers for freelance and employment. More than just a portfolio, Newspaper Portfolio demonstrated her creativity, adaptability and resourcefulness.
Jonathan Tieh Associate RGD
Project: Shine On Mural Campaign – YMCA Calgary
Sponsor: Cinnamon Toast New Media Inc.
This project positions YMCA Calgary facilities as vital community hubs addressing isolation, accessibility, childcare and mental health. The flagship installation at the Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton—the largest YMCA in the world—featured a 67-foot mural blending dimensional signage, photography and storytelling to visually represent the Y’s broad mission. The design process involved deep stakeholder discovery and brand immersion, leading to a flexible visual system adaptable across multiple sites. Using a modular grid, bold colours and photography of real members, the murals balance consistency with authenticity. Stories and testimonials are woven into the graphics, reinforced by acrylic stand-offs and layered materials to create depth and impact.
Credits:
- Director, Design & Brand Strategy: Christina Fauser, WCD
- Business Development Manager: Matthew Skerry, Cober
- Signage Project Management: Sonia Strother, Cober
- Director, Strategic Communications and Engagement: Linda Chan, YMCA Calgary
- Internal Communications & Engagement Specialist, Amy Simpson, YMCA Calgary
Neo-Aldwin Torres Associate RGD
Project: Muvo Toronto
Sponsor: Fusion Design Group Inc.
This redefinition of the Toronto souvenir combines sustainability, cultural storytelling and transit integration. Research focused on eco-conscious materials, narrative-driven design and TTC integration, resulted in two flagship products. The first is a Subway Passport, an interactive booklet that lets riders collect stamps and stories from each station. The second is a personalized Presto card that makes daily commuting more personal. By shifting souvenirs from disposable trinkets to experiences, Muvo positions public transit as a cultural adventure—part memory, part learning moment.
The Scholarship Program for DesignThinkers Vancouver opens in January and for Toronto in September (dates to be announced).
If you’d like to support emerging designers and are interested in sponsoring a scholarship for either event, please contact Hilary Ashworth at hilary@rgd.ca.
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