This September, the RGD thanks the Director and Chair of the Education Committee, Megan Oldfield RGD, for her contributions to our community.
Q: How long have you been volunteering with RGD, and in what capacity?
I began volunteering in 2011, a few years after joining RGD. I started by doing portfolio reviews at HeadStart, and then Creative Directions, and joined the Education Committee shortly thereafter. I love working with RGD and our Members and I’ve been able to contribute in a variety of ways. Currently I’m serving my second term on the Board of Directors, I’m on the Certification Board and am a Certification Portfolio Evaluator. Over the past seven years I’ve been Chair of the Education Committee; a mentor in the Mentorship Program; a judge for the RGD Student Awards; moderator and speaker on several panels and most recently designed a small publication for the Educators Conference.
Q: What made you want to get involved with RGD?
I joined RGD ten years ago. In the years prior, I had been co-chairing the JUNO Awards Packaging Design Committee. While the category was design-focused, the awards were obviously music industry centric and I was looking for an opportunity to be more directly involved within the design community.
Q: Of the RGD initiatives you have contributed to, what are you most proud of?
I served on the Education Committee for six years, the final year as Chair. The committee created and executed a number of wonderful initiatives but the most rewarding on a personal level was creating a student award to be given to graduating students from design programs across the country. It was an absolute thrill to see the initiative come to fruition and to be present to award two 2018 graduates from George Brown in Toronto this past spring.
Q: What is your most memorable experience as an RGD volunteer?
I love DesignThinkers and I thought Vancouver 2017 was really special.
Being there for the first ever conference outside of Toronto, and experiencing the enthusiasm and energy around the inaugural event was amazing. Hanging out with my art school hero David Carson was definitely an added bonus.
From left to right: DT VAN 2017 Speakers Mark Beechy, Ellen Wong, Scott Dadich, Emily Oberman, Tinker Hatfield, Megan Oldfield RGD, David Carson and Past RGD President Stussy Tschudin RGD
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?
There are so many opportunities to get involved with RGD on different levels. I have enjoyed my time as an RGD so much more in the years that I have been more fully engaged. There is a wonderful sense of community within RGD; the ability to share ideas and friendship with other designers, educators and suppliers is invaluable. Volunteering on any level is incredible– knowing you can have a positive impact on someone through giving back is immeasurable.
