Volunteers of the Month: Amanda Bolte RGD, Chris Dickert RGD, Xandr Sutjiadi RGD and Alex Vranjesevic RGD

This June, we thank former RGD Directors Amanda Bolte RGD, Chris Dickert RGD, Xandr Sutjiadi RGD and Alex Vranjesevic RGD for their contribution to the RGD community and their service on the RGD Board.

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

Amanda: I joined the RGD in 2014. Like many, I procrastinated for a while before becoming a Member. It wasn't long after joining that the passion within the RGD community became evident and I was eager to contribute. My involvement started small, but I've been fortunate to volunteer in various capacities over the years.

Alex: I’ve been volunteering with the RGD since 2020, starting shortly after I became a Certified RGD. I joined the Events Committee after attending my first DesignThinkers and have been actively involved ever since. Over the years, I’ve taken on a few different roles, including Secretary for the Board and have had the chance to co-lead planning for the In-House Design Conference. It’s been a great opportunity to contribute hands-on to events that unite the design community.

Chris: I started off in 2022 as a juror for the Student Awards and then volunteered for the D&I Committee and before you know it, I was on the Board and Co-Chair of the D&I Committee. 

Xandr: I have been volunteering with the RGD since 2019, contributing in various roles, starting as a Member of the Ethics Committee, designing the 2021 Certification Sticker, mentoring, assisting with portfolio reviews, leading roundtables, speaking at DesignThinkers Toronto in 2023, moderating local events and serving on the RGD’s Board of Directors as VP and Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee from 2022 to 2025.
 

Q: What experience or memory stands out to you?

Amanda: One contribution I'm particularly proud of is serving on the Board of Directors, something that was a significant professional goal for me. Representing the RGD in that way was an honour. However, the most enjoyable aspect of my volunteering has been my involvement in the Freshly Certified webinar series, which the Certification Committee has run for almost five years. This initiative provides a valuable resource for prospective Members, a platform for questions and an opportunity for designers to showcase their work—a true win-win-win and incredibly rewarding.

Alex: One standout moment for me was the first time I moderated a panel at the In-House Conference. I went into it feeling nervous, but once I started chatting with the panelists, the conversation flowed. It was one of those moments where I realized how much I’d grown. It pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way and showed me how much I love facilitating meaningful conversations in our industry.

Chris: I think I'm most proud of the work I did on the Code of Ethics, where we worked with DesCan and SDGQ to revise the Code to cover AI tools and cultural appropriation. The latter update was especially important to me. In a past life, I worked in health communications (during the pandemic, no less) and one of my portfolios was Indigenous health, where I saw first-hand some of the ongoing impacts of Canada's colonial past (and present), which I still carry with me. So working to address some of those impacts, in however small a way, is something I'm really proud of. 

Xandr: I’m really proud of all the initiatives that our team (Diversity & Inclusion Committee) has worked on these past few years. For example, the Anti-Harassment & Discrimination Policy, the newly added Responsibilities to Cultures section in our Code of Ethics, the Culture Shock webinar series, Designing Paths interview series with stories from immigrant designers and our latest project and the AccessAbility e-learning course (stay tuned!). For myself, I was proud and honoured to have given a talk at DesignThinkers about my journey of 'Finding My Voice.' The best part was having other designers with similar lived experiences approach me afterwards (again and again) to connect.

Q: What is the most surprising or unexpected thing about volunteering with the RGD?

Amanda: The most surprising aspect of volunteering with the RGD is the sheer volume of activity and the number of incredible initiatives happening simultaneously. It's also been a fantastic way to meet and collaborate with so many talented individuals. It’s networking with a genuine purpose, creating lasting connections.

Alex: How immediately welcomed I felt. I assumed I’d be quietly observing for a while before I could really contribute, but from day one, everyone on the Committee was so open and supportive. They truly value fresh perspectives and that kind of encouragement helped me find my voice in the group a lot sooner than I expected.

Chris: I don't know why this is surprising, but it's the people. Everyone I met and worked with at the RGD were all wonderful people, generous with their time and talents. I'm not sure if I expected monsters or something when I got involved, but there you go.  

Xandr: Volunteering with the RGD has allowed me to make genuine connections with peers in the industry and provided opportunities to learn from other creative thought leaders. The RGD has also given me a safe platform to contribute meaningfully and make a real impact in the industry.
 

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

Amanda: Volunteering with the RGD has truly highlighted the boundless creativity, passion, dedication and adaptability within our industry. My work with the XD Advisory Group, focused on fostering greater inclusivity in often overlooked ways, has been particularly insightful.

Alex: I’ve learned that no matter how experienced someone is, there’s a real generosity of spirit in the design community. Volunteering has shown me how willing people are to share knowledge, swap stories and lift each other up. It’s made networking feel less intimidating and more like building genuine connections, which has been a game-changer for me professionally.

Chris: We have so much to be proud of here in Canada. Sure, the big New York studios get a lot of the press, but there are designers all across this country, from coast to coast to coast, doing incredible work. I think that especially in this febrile political climate, it's important for us to celebrate all the good things that are happening here, because believe me, there are lots. 

Xandr: I've learned that despite our various mediums and creative practices, we are more alike than we realize. In today’s world, we must celebrate our differences and support each other both professionally and personally. By leaning on one another, we can ensure a more ethical, inclusive and accessible future for the next generation of designers.

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

Amanda: I see the RGD playing a crucial role in navigating the evolving landscape of our industry. Witnessing the organization's thoughtful and considered approach to emerging technologies like AI in design has been fascinating.

Alex: The RGD feels like the connective tissue of the Canadian design community. It brings people together, supports growth at every stage of a designer’s career and creates space for honest conversations and learning. Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience, the RGD allows you to stay engaged, inspired and supported.

Chris: The RGD has such an important role to play. It upholds standards for the profession and advocates for every designer, even ones who aren't RGD Members (yet). For example, the go-to guide on all things accessibility is from the RGD. Thousands and thousands of designers have learned how to design for the edges because of the RGD, making Canada more inclusive, diverse and equitable. And these days, especially, that is huge.  

Xandr: The RGD plays a crucial role in shaping and advancing the Canadian design industry. Not only in setting ethical and professional standards for our industry, but also in promoting inclusive and accessible design practices, while making space for us to connect, support and learn from each other.

Q: 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?

Amanda: Being an RGD volunteer has enriched my professional life with new perspectives, friendships and valuable connections. To other Members considering getting involved, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. The rewards you gain will far exceed the time and effort you invest.

Alex: Confidence has been a massive gain for me and so has the community. Volunteering gave me access to a network of passionate, talented designers who genuinely want to see each other succeed. That kind of energy is contagious—and it’s helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. If you’re even a little curious about getting involved, go for it. You’ll be amazed at what you get back.

Chris: When I was thinking about joining the Board, I spoke with one of the current Board Members and something he said still resonates with me: you get what you put into it. And what I discovered later was that the more I put in, I got even more out of it; it was an exponential return. As a self-taught designer, I didn't have a large network of designers from university that I could go to with questions or for support. The RGD helped fill that void for me and then some. So I would absolutely recommend getting involved, because once you do, you will realize you are part of a huge extended family and are very welcome. 

Xandr: As an RGD volunteer, I’ve gained a platform to make an impact, create space for others like me and connect with a supportive community of like-minded creatives. I highly recommend volunteering with the RGD, as there’s no better way to contribute to and help shape the future of the industry you’re passionate about.

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

Amanda: Looking ahead, I would love to participate in more speaking engagements beyond the webinar series, particularly focusing on the challenges and opportunities of designing in restricted spaces. I also find great satisfaction in serving as an award judge, as it aligns with my passion for celebrating the work of fellow designers.

Alex: Helping to organize DesignThinkers is definitely still on my bucket list. It’s such a pivotal event in the design world and I’d love the chance to contribute to the magic behind the scenes. I’m always open to new challenges though—volunteering with the RGD has taught me that you never know what new path might open up next.

Chris: I told the Hilary (Executive Director) and Nicola (President) that they hadn't seen the last of me and I meant it. I'm looking forward to returning to the Board to be a voice for Western designers—West Coast is the Best Coast—and helping grow this side of the Rockies. And I still want to write the official history of Canadian design, but one thing at a time. 

Xandr: I plan to continue volunteering with the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, doing my part to advocate, make space for and support Members with diverse identities, backgrounds and lived experiences. I’d also love to help the RGD grow and expand its reach globally— to countries like Mexico and beyond.