NewsJul 16, 2026

Join the RGD Associate Committee

Written by Rupsha Mutsuddi Associate RGD, Rupsha Mutsuddi

Associate RGDs are Members of the RGD who are in the early stages of their careers.

This broad Membership category ranges from newly graduated students to senior designers transitioning into leadership roles. During this early career exploration period, it is essential to network and build connections within the RGD community. Getting involved with the RGD's Associate Committee is a great way to connect with peers who are starting their careers, as well as senior designers (Certified RGDs) who are part of the RGD's volunteer community.

Other benefits include:

20% off the DesignThinkers Vancouver or DesignThinkers Toronto ticket price
Free admission to DesignThinkers conferences by volunteering in person
Greater input on the programming and initiatives the RGD provides to all Associate Members
Leadership and project management experience
Opportunities to mentor Student RGDs and other emerging designers
The chance to be named Volunteer of the Month (including a newsletter feature and a free DesignThinkers ticket) or to introduce a speaker on stage at DesignThinkers

We are currently seeking support for the initiatives below. Interested in getting involved? Apply here by August 7, 2026

Project-Based Mentorship

Associate Committee Members support the Project-Based Mentorship Program, a 12-week mentorship program that brings together Certified RGDs, Associate RGDs and Student RGDs to work on a mock design project. The program runs twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall. Committee Member tasks include recruiting mentors, providing support during the mentorship round and arranging project teams.

Virtual speaker series / AMA

Associate Committee Members organize a bi-monthly virtual event series that brings designers and creatives together to share ideas, stories and insights around each session's theme — inspired by the kinds of conversations you'd find on the DesignThinkers Podcast or Nicer Tuesdays. These sessions could take the form of talks, casual conversations or AMAs. Committee Member tasks include proposing the format, schedule and content for the sessions and then, after receiving Board approval, coordinating the events.

School visits/presentations

This initiative builds connections with design schools across Canada by coordinating Associate and Certified RGD Members to speak with classes about the value of being part of the RGD community. Sessions could include a mix of ready-made presentations highlighting the benefits, opportunities and resources available through RGD, alongside more personal talks from Members who joined as Student Members and have since grown into Associate or Certified RGDs. Committee Member tasks include recruiting speakers, communicating with school contacts and liaising between the two.

Revisiting Ask an RGD / newsletter content

This initiative revisits the RGD's past Ask an RGD series on YouTube and proposes something to replace it and/or expand on the current Associate Awareness Initiative, Now What?. Committee Member tasks include proposing the format, schedule and content and then, after receiving Board approval, developing it.

DesignThinkers programming

This year-long initiative focuses on developing and supporting Associate RGD-focused programming at DesignThinkers conferences. Committee Member tasks include developing a slide deck featuring the winners of the DesignThinkers Development Grants, played on stage during breaks, as well as event planning for mentorship sessions and portfolio reviews at the conferences. Members may also be asked to help with Studio Tours during pre-conference programming.

Where it starts

This initiative focuses on creating a casual, welcoming virtual space for Members in the early stages of their design careers to connect. These groups could meet to share work, exchange feedback and talk through real experiences, challenges and early career questions in an open and supportive environment. Committee Member tasks include proposing the format, schedule and content for the initiative and then, after receiving Board approval, developing it.

Rupsha Mutsuddi Associate RGD

Rupsha Mutsuddi

Rupsha is a Designer specializing in Human-Centered Design, an Emerging Design Educator, and an Emerging Design Researcher. Rupsha is pursuing her Master of Design at York. Her work involves looking at the intersection of design, accessibility, and everyday health management. Her research focuses on designing interventions in augmented reality to assist with everyday activities for people living with early-stage dementia aiming to enhance their quality of life through the integration of rituals and habits. Supported by the Government of Canada Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant, she is working with people with dementia, their care partners, and community organizations across Ontario to design better ways to support people living with dementia in everyday life.