Volunteer of the Month: Virginia Quist RGD
Written by Virginia Quist RGD, Alberta Retired Teachers' Assocation
This February, the RGD thanks Virginia Quist RGD for her contributions to the RGD community.
How long have you been volunteering with the RGD, and in what capacity?
I started volunteering a couple of years ago by judging the RGD Student Awards, and then participated in the project-based mentorship program where I mentored a group of students through a project for their portfolios, as well as doing one-on-one mentoring. I have led discussions at roundtables at DesignThinkers and recently helped to design the identity for the In-House Design Awards with my team at the Alberta Retired Teachers Association (ARTA).
What contribution are you most proud of or what experience stands out for you?
Every experience has taught me something new about myself, but I think the group mentorship program really stands out to me as I was just on my journey of becoming a manager and it really helped me to learn how to work with younger designers and to guide them without doing the work for them. I had a wonderful team and we got to do a fun project together, and I even got to meet one of them in person at DesignThinkers in 2024!
What is the most unexpected thing about volunteering with the RGD?
I think the most surprising thing about volunteering is probably how much I grow as a designer and design leader every time I volunteer. It has made me a more confident person and I look forward to more opportunities to help out.
What have you learned about the industry since volunteering for the RGD?
I have learned that our industry is always changing quickly in so many ways, but the core of the design community stays the same. We are a bunch of creative weirdos just trying to communicate visually and push the boundaries of design.
Based on your experience volunteering with the RGD, how would you describe the organization's role in the industry?
The RGD is a very important part of the design industry, ensuring that there is a Code of Ethics to guide us as well as providing so many useful resources and tools for us to make our work even better, such as the Accessibility Guide now available in web form. There is a passion to ensure that the organization continues to grow and adapt as the industry changes to help support people in a broad range of design fields. The RGD is a connector as well providing a multitude of ways for designers to connect with each other and with partners locally, nationally and internationally.
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?
Volunteering is such a wonderful way to give back to the design community, but it’s also been so fulfilling for me as well. I have met so many amazing people along the way, connections that will last a lifetime. I don’t have a huge capacity for time with a full-time job and a family, so having different ways to volunteer that I can fit into my life is very helpful. As my kids get older, I hope to have more capacity to volunteer on a more regular basis.
Do you have thoughts on what you might like to do as a volunteer with the RGD in the future?
I would love to continue mentoring young designers, but I have no clue what the next opportunity will be. I’m sure I will be on a Committee one day, but we will see what I get asked to do next, haha. I’m always open to trying new things when the time is right!
Virginia Quist RGD
Alberta Retired Teachers' Assocation
With a passion for creating that spans over two decades, I am a seasoned graphic designer, photographer, and artist. My work is fuelled by an insatiable curiosity and a joyful spirit. Embracing the evolving landscape of visual and communication arts, I find fulfillment in continual learning and exploring diverse techniques to enhance my skills, including watercolour painting, embroidery and digital art. Firm in the belief that each day brings new opportunities for growth, I saturate my work with a love for colour. Through my designs and creations, I aim to not just captivate, but to enchant and spark curiosity, weaving visual narratives that resonate with the audience.
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