Volunteer of the Month: Tara Jakubiec Associate RGD

This November, the RGD thanks Tara Jakubiec Associate RGD for her contributions to the RGD community.

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

I’ve been volunteering with the RGD since August 2025 as part of both the Diversity & Inclusion Committee and the Associate Committee. I originally reached out to get involved after completing a mentorship with Jeff Rae RGD, who encouraged me to lend a hand and connect with the RGD community. Both committees align with my ongoing interest in building more accessible and culturally aware creative spaces.

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

The experience that stands out most, and that I am most proud of, was volunteering at the 2025 DesignThinkers Conference in Toronto. I had offered to help with the workshops, hoping to be part of the hands-on action and it was absolutely the right choice. I had the opportunity to assist with Alanna Chelmick’s collage session, Dominic Ayre RGD's magazine creation and Paul Twa Assiociate RGD's typography activity. The energy in those rooms was electric! Creative minds were bouncing ideas off each other. It was inspiring.

To make it even more special, the conference happened to land on my birthday, and I couldn’t have imagined a better way to celebrate than being surrounded by such incredible and inspiring designers.

What is the most surprising or unexpected thing about volunteering with the RGD?

What surprised me the most was the instant and genuine sense of community. From the very first meeting, everyone was warm, supportive and eager to collaborate. It reminded me of the inclusive environment I explored during my Master’s in Inclusive Design, where I researched how culture shapes our perception of colour and belonging. The RGD embodies that same spirit, creating space for all voices to be seen and heard and a chance to utilize our unique talents.

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

I’ve learned that the RGD truly takes care of its own, a rare quality in any professional association. When I first joined, I wanted to help with every committee and event possible, but the leads encouraged me to pace myself. That small gesture showed me how deeply RGD values the well-being of its volunteers. Many organizations unintentionally take energy without giving it back, but the RGD prioritizes balance, empathy and respect.

Based on your experience, how would you describe the RGD’s role in the industry?

The RGD plays a major role in strengthening the Canadian design community. Beyond its professional resources, such as webinars and a video library, it provides genuine connections and mentorship. Some of my closest friendships in the industry have developed through RGD events, such as Trivia Nights and Scavenger Hunts. As an Associate RGD, I’ve felt supported and inspired to keep growing as a designer.

Starting on Vancouver Island during my undergraduate studies, I didn’t think of the RGD as much more than a set of fancy letters. But after attending DesignThinkers, that perception completely changed. I sincerely encourage all design students and aspiring designers across the country to participate in at least one conference. The energy of the keynote speakers, combined with being surrounded by so many creative minds, motivated me to a whole new level I could never have reached in a classroom.

What have you gained from being an RGD volunteer, and why would you recommend it to others?

Volunteering with the RGD has given me a sense of community I haven’t felt since grad school. As a freelance designer, it’s easy to go long stretches without connecting to peers in meaningful ways. I now have regular meetings with creative minds who share my passion for improving the industry through inclusive and accessible design.

Having studied the cultural perception of colour in my Master of Design Degree, I’ve come to truly appreciate environments that nurture diverse voices and the RGD reflects that perfectly. I would strongly encourage any designer, especially students or early-career creatives, to get involved. Everything you contribute to the RGD is returned tenfold in gratitude, mentorship and motivation.

What might you like to do as a volunteer with the RGD in the future?

I would love to stay involved and continue to help with future events. I am eager to continue offering my time and energy where it’s most useful, such as event management and initiatives that highlight inclusive and accessible design practices. I feel fortunate that the RGD exists, and even more so to volunteer among the brilliant minds who make it all happen.