Volunteer of the Month: Mairin Deery RGD

This September, the RGD thanks Mairin Deery 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 late 2023, primarily through the Education Committee. My first major project was helping Wendy Tabor RGD develop an accessibility online course. What makes me particularly proud is that we didn't just create content about accessibility—we built the entire platform to be genuinely accessible. It's one thing to talk about inclusive design, but we actually walked the walk from the ground up.

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

My work with Virtual Career Weeks and Mentorship programs revealed a significant gap in how we support emerging designers, which led me to brainstorm with Hilary Ashworth and develop a panel series launching later this fall. It's a comprehensive miniseries addressing everything from client relationships to sustainable creative practices, specifically designed for new graduates and young professionals, in all different design career types.

What drives this work is recognizing that graphic design can feel intimidatingly insular. Knowledge-sharing isn't always natural in our competitive landscape and designers often struggle to connect authentically with peers. My goal is to help break down some of that professional mystique and foster more open dialogue within our community.

“Mairin is a very dedicated individual who is always willing to jump in with both feet. Her experience on the Education Committee was essential in creating the Accessibility Course and I was thrilled to have her support from beginning to end. It's people like her who make RGD's many incredible initiatives possible.”

Wendy Tabor RGD

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

I joined during a significant career transition, uncertain about where I fit in the industry. What surprised me was how quickly I found my place among this community of thoughtful professionals. The informal mentorship I received through everyday conversations provided clarity on my career path that I couldn't have developed in isolation.

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

I've discovered that more designers are eager to connect and learn collaboratively than I initially realized. I had assumed professional isolation was inherent to our industry—that the culture of competitive secrecy was how things worked. But when you create intentional spaces for authentic connection, the response is remarkable. Designers are genuinely hungry for community and, when barriers come down, we form meaningful professional and personal relationships.

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

The RGD serves two essential functions: education and community building. It works to demystify the profession for emerging designers, showing that while design requires serious skill, it doesn't have to feel intimidating or inaccessible. Equally important, it fosters a culture of mentorship among experienced professionals, consistently reminding us that we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to support the next generation.

What have you gained from being an RGD volunteer, and why would you recommend it to other embers thinking of getting involved?

Beyond professional development, I've gained genuine friendships and mentors who've significantly broadened my perspective. The learning is reciprocal—mentoring others has sharpened my own thinking and reconnected me with why I'm passionate about this work.

I'd recommend volunteering to any designer seeking authentic community and meaningful contribution. If you believe in advancing your career by elevating others and want to help shift our industry toward greater openness and collaboration, the RGD provides an ideal platform for that impact.

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

Mentorship and educational programming really energize me, so I'm eager to see how this panel series resonates. If it connects with our community as I anticipate, I'd love to expand the programming—perhaps addressing different career stages or specialized practice areas.

My overarching goal is to advance a more accessible, transparent and community-oriented profession. Whether through formal programming or informal mentorship, I'm committed to helping build an industry where knowledge-sharing and mutual support become standard practice rather than the exception.