Volunteer of the Month: Juliana Camargo RGD

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

I started my journey with the RGD five years ago, starting as an Associate Member before becoming a Certified RGD in 2021. For the past year, I've been a Member of the Certification Committee and moderated roundtables at DesignThinkers in Toronto.

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

Volunteering with the RGD has been such a rewarding experience. It’s allowed me to connect with seasoned designers eager to share their expertise while collaborating to tackle real-world challenges. I’m constantly impressed by the creativity of the RGD candidates, who I review during the Certification Process—their projects and design solutions never fail to amaze me. I’m also grateful to Hillary for trusting me to moderate roundtables at DesignThinkers. It's a skill I didn’t even know I had, and I learn so much from the roundtable participants every year. I truly think more professionals should get involved in this opportunity.

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

As an immigrant, I often wonder if I’ll be accepted when I start something new. But with RGD’s Committee meetings, I’ve always felt at ease. The other professionals, many of whom have more experience than me, are highly professional, incredibly warm and welcoming.

“Juliana is an invaluable member of the Certification Committee who is continually going above and beyond. Throughout 2024 she has helped to organize and ensure that our Freshly Certified webinar series is its absolute best. We are thrilled to have her as part of the team and can't wait to see what 2025 will bring!”

Michelle Hopgood RGD

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

I’ve learned a lot about how crucial accessibility is in the digital experience. As a designer, it’s important to always advocate for accessibility best practices, even if the client doesn’t specifically ask for them.

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

The RGD is a vital community for creative professionals, offering a diverse space where people can connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences and grow as professionals. This kind of hub can spark important shifts in thinking for young designers, challenge old systems and ultimately show that we’re all the same—people working together to solve problems creatively.

Q: What have you gained from being an RGD volunteer, and why would you recommend it to other Members who might be considering getting involved?

I feel like I’m part of a community, which means a lot to me. I’m originally from Brazil and have been living in Canada for 10 years now, trying to find my place in the industry.

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

I’m currently working with Information Designer Michelle Hopgood RGD to create infographics that will enhance the user experience on the RGD website. These visuals will showcase data about the RGD community, applicant trends and more. We plan to keep working on this over the next year and add the finalized graphics to the site soon.