Volunteer of the Month: Bianca DiPietro RGD

 The RGD thanks Bianca DiPietro RGD this August for her contributions to the community.

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

I have been volunteering with the RGD since October 2019, on the Education Committee since I am currently an educator at the college level.

What contribution are you most proud of / What experience/memory stands out for you?

Starting the Design Educator Webinar Series, which launched May 22. The webinar series focuses on connecting educators on topics and themes in academia. Having an online voice right now is important and it is even more important to share ideas and opinions.

What is the most surprising/unexpected thing to come out of volunteering with the RGD?

Being on the Board of Directors! It feels like I have a very close family of designers who understand the complexities of the industry and also want to share experiences, ideas and initiatives. The RGD has been such a pivotal part in my career and now I feel fully connected to the Association.

“In the short time that Bianca has been a member of the Education Committee and RGD Board, her contributions have been plentiful and impactful. Out of the gate, she added great value to the efforts and initiatives of RGD's education community and her experience and expertise are proven assets to it. We are excited to see what the future holds as she continues to become a leader in her field and in the RGD. Thank you, Bianca, for the support, ideas and energy you bring to the table.”

Faron Dawe RGD

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

I learned that design educators need to talk more. It seems networking is a common thing as a working designer, but this is less common and executed when you become an educator. I think we are all after the same goal so how we get there and how we build ideas can be a collaborative and inclusive force.

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

The RGD's role to me can be defined by the following: community building, inclusive and diverse, upholding standards, developing initiatives, providing resources and strengthening relationships. The RGD is an organization that aims to elevate designers as key players in innovation, progress and change.

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?

I'm in it for the community. The people I get to have conversations with, connect with and collaborate with is the #1 benefit. As a designer, it's important to grow and you can do this by surrounding yourself with wonderful mentors and leaders. 

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

Build better educator initiatives. Again, as an educator, I know how it can feel like you are disconnected from the industry. In order to bring back a better connection, I want to build a bigger community, robust resources and deeper networks amongst those who operate in academia.