Volunteers of the Month: Mostafa Zohdy RGD and Preet Soni Associate RGD

This September, the RGD thanks Mostafa Zohdy RGD and Preet Soni Associate RGD for their contributions to the RGD community.

“I'm so grateful to have Preet Soni and Mostafa Zhody on the Career Planning Subcommittee and for their amazing work on the RGD Career Planning Workbook for Designers. Their dedication and enthusiasm have helped create an incredibly valuable resource for designers, and it's clear they care deeply about supporting the next generation of creatives. Their contributions have made a real difference for the RGD community, and I'm excited to continue the great work we're doing!”

Amelia Nash RGD

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

Mostafa: ​​I have been volunteering with the RGD since January 2024. I'm part of the Education Committee, working mostly with the legendary Career Planning subcommittee, where we have been planning, designing and executing career planning-related webinars and documents.

Preet: I’ve been volunteering with the RGD since January 2023, primarily contributing to the Education Committee. Initially, I served on the Student Awards subcommittee and later transitioned to the Career Planning sub-committee  

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

Mostafa: I'm happy that I had the chance to create the branding materials for the Career Development Webinars. It's been a while since I had time to try new tools and create fun designs, which I really enjoyed designing with the team.

Preet: I'm most proud of two recent accomplishments. First, the RGD Career Planning Workbook, which our subcommittee developed to support both new and experienced professionals. We've just released the Beta version, featuring the first of four sections: “Looking for a Job”. This resource provides practical tools, advice and insights for success in creative careers. A personal highlight was illustrating the cover and contributing to the book's design. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Project-Based Mentorship Program, where I served as Art Director for the STEM Explorers Brand Identity project. Collaborating with a talented team on this mock project was an incredibly rewarding experience. 

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

Mostafa: Not to sound boring, but honestly, I didn't expect that volunteering could be so much fun. It was great getting our work done while enjoying what we did and laughing through our meetings. Another thing, but this one I wouldn't say was surprising, I really liked our teams' dynamic and how we clicked from the beginning.

Preet: The most surprising aspect has been the strong sense of belonging and community. Connecting with like-minded professionals has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve seen how small and large efforts at the grassroots level contribute to making a significant impact. The opportunities for learning and growth have far exceeded my expectations, broadening my skills and perspective while making a real difference.

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

Mostafa: I've learned more about the educational side of the industry and how it can help shape the mindset of the upcoming generations of designers in meaningful ways.

Preet: Volunteering with the RGD has shown me how supportive and collaborative the industry is. Moving to Toronto from India felt like stepping into uncharted territory, but the RGD introduced me to a welcoming community that truly uplifts and celebrates each other. It’s reassuring to see how the industry embraces newcomers with a spirit of mutual support.

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

Mostafa: I find volunteering with the RGD to be another great way of making connections and building a community within the industry. Having such a socially driven and supportive community helps the industry flourish in a humane way where ethics and morals are central.

Preet: I believe the RGD plays a profound role in the industry. Regardless of where someone is in their creative career, the RGD offers valuable resources and support at every stage. The organization provides a wealth of opportunities for growth, networking and professional development significantly impacting its Member's careers.

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?

Mostafa: As a volunteer, I've learned a lot more about the RGD as an association, its initiatives and how it functions. Also, making friends with whom I can nerd out about graphic design is priceless.

Preet: As an RGD volunteer, I’ve gained a platform to refine my skills, step out of my comfort zone and connect with like-minded creatives while expanding my network. I always recommend getting involved with the RGD to other creative professionals because it offers abundant opportunities to both contribute to and benefit from the diverse community.

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

Mostafa: I haven't thought about it yet, but I would be happy to continue volunteering.

Preet: As I continue to grow professionally and expand my knowledge, I’d like to mentor Student RGDs and emerging designers. I am also interested in creating a space for newcomers to Canada to have a sense of belonging, guidance, and a platform to find their voices.