Volunteers of the Month: Associate RGDs Kristen Scheel and Bríet Savard Guðjónsdóttir

This August, the RGD thanks Kristen Scheel Associate RGD and Bríet Savard Guðjónsdóttir Associate RGD, for their contributions to the RGD community.

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

Kristen: I've been volunteering with the RGD for about eight months as a Member of the Events Committee and co-lead for Ottawa alongside Briet.

Bríet: I joined the RGD Student Committee in 2023 and served until graduating in 2025. Since January 2026, I've been volunteering with the Events Committee , helping organize events for the Ottawa design community alongside Kristen.

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

Kristen: The first event I organized in Ottawa, a sold-out design trivia night, is a standout memory for me. I made new connections, caught up with friends I hadn't seen in a while and had a great time.

Bríet: Minds of Design is definitely the experience that stands out most. It was incredibly rewarding to help bring together such inspiring speakers and see the enthusiasm from Ottawa's design community throughout the evening.

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

Kristen: I was surprised by how easy it is to get involved. The events team is friendly and supportive, and volunteers from across the country are always willing to share ideas and advice to help make each event a success.

Bríet: I was thrilled to discover how approachable everyone is. Whether you're a student or an experienced designer, people genuinely want to share their knowledge and help each other succeed.

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

Kristen: Through my role with the RGD, I've learned that the design industry in Ottawa is highly engaged and extremely welcoming! I've had the opportunity to meet so many talented designers who have been generous with their time, whether sharing design advice, hosting a trivia night or speaking at an RGD event.

Bríet: Volunteering has shown me just how diverse the design industry is. The RGD brings together professionals from so many different disciplines and career paths, which has broadened my perspective of what a career in design can look like.

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

Kristen: The RGD plays a pivotal role in bringing designers together to foster connections, set industry standards and encourage ongoing learning and development.

Bríet: The RGD plays an important role in championing the design profession by creating opportunities for learning, mentorship and meaningful connections between designers across Canada.

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?

Kristen: I would encourage anyone who is considering getting involved as an RGD volunteer to give it a try. I've met so many great people through volunteering, and it's helped me feel more connected to the design community.

Bríet: Volunteering has helped me grow both personally and professionally. It's given me the opportunity to build confidence as a new designer and contribute to a community that's passionate about design. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to get more involved in the industry.

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

Kristen: I hope to keep helping out with local events, and once I've completed my RGD Certification, I'd love to present a webinar.

Bríet: For now, I'd love to continue organizing events in Ottawa—particularly the fall scavenger hunt, which I'm really looking forward to, so keep an eye out for that. In the future, as I gain more experience in my career, I'd like to participate in the RGD's mentorship program and share what I've learned with the next generation of designers.