Volunteer of the Month: Meghan D'Mello RGD
This July, we thank Meghan D'Mello RGD for her contribution to the RGD community.
How long have you been volunteering with the RGD, and in what capacity?
I've been volunteering with the RGD for about 6 years. Most of my contributions have been through conferences and co-chairing the Events Committee, but I've also been an awards judge, portfolio reviewer and project-based mentor—and most recently, the President of the RGD!
“Meghan genuinely cares about our Members and their varied experiences and needs. That care has shown up in how she's managed the Events Committee, her programming and hosting of the In-House Conference and in how thoughtfully she's handled prickly issues as a Board Member. She's stepped into the role of President beautifully. I'm confident that she'll be an incredible president and exactly the right person to lead the RGD into the future.”
Nicola Hamilton RGD
What contribution are you most proud of, or what experience/memory stands out most for you?
As an in-house designer for most of my career, I am definitely partial to the In-House Conference. Seeing how it's grown and evolved over recent years is really exciting—from a virtual conference during the pandemic to a thriving event with multiple streams of content (and hopefully, a second city). I love working behind the scenes and then seeing it unfold in person!
What is the most surprising or unexpected thing about volunteering with the RGD?
I'm most surprised by how volunteering has pushed me to do new things, many of which are outside of design and outside of my comfort zone. I never thought I would be emceeing conferences or helping to draft policy, but I am, and it's great!
What have you learned about the industry through your volunteer experience with the RGD?
Our industry is so big, but it can also feel really small—whether you work in a massive agency or on your own as a freelancer, volunteering helps strengthen our connection to each other. When we're all working towards making the Canadian design community better, it truly makes a difference!
“I've had the pleasure of co-chairing the RGD's Events Committee with Meghan for several years. Thoughtful, creative, organized and endlessly dependable, she keeps everything running seamlessly with a smile. I have never met anyone who loves logistics more than her! The RGD is incredibly fortunate to have Meghan as its new President.”
Maggie Ostler RGD
Based on your experience, how would you describe the RGD's role in the industry?
The RGD functions as a trusted voice in design policy, advocacy, education and ethics. The numerous events we run and resources we produce play an important role ensuring designers from all over Canada feel supported and connected, and that professionals in our industry are respected.
What have you gained from being an RGD volunteer, and why would you recommend it to other members who may be considering getting involved?
The RGD has helped me build so many great connections within the design community and discover new interests I never knew I had. Volunteering, especially for one of our incredibly hard-working committees, is an amazing way to help shape, steward and give back to the design community in Canada, but you get a lot out of it on a personal level.
You could be the reason someone finally gets certified, speaks at a conference for the first time, decides against using spec work, feels confident using more inclusive language when speaking about their work or finds community at a local event!
Are there any volunteer opportunities or initiatives you would like to pursue with the RGD in the future?
I've only been President for about 2 months, so getting up to speed will be my focus for the next little while. I have a lot of ideas for future initiatives, and I'm super grateful to have the incredible RGD staff and Board of Directors to help bring those ideas to life.
