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Associate RGD Committee

The Associate Committee is a space for early-career designers to connect, collaborate and make a meaningful impact on Canada’s design community. 

Our goal is to amplify the voices of recent graduates and other emerging designers by creating relevant resources, programming and services tailored to their needs and reflective of the graphic design landscape across the country.

As a committee, we:

  • Identify opportunities to elevate the presence and voices of Associate RGDs across Canada.
  • Advise on and assist in implementing initiatives that support early-career designers.
  • Participate in the RGD’s broader professional Committees, bringing an Associate perspective to the table.
  • Meet virtually every two months to connect, share updates and hear directly from leading designers through AMA-style guest talks.

What We Offer

Associate Committee Members gain access to:

  • A national network of like-minded peers and creative professionals.
  • Opportunities to volunteer at major RGD events, including DesignThinkers, Canada’s largest design conference.
  • Exclusive programming, including behind-the-scenes insights from industry professionals, mentorship opportunities and involvement in shaping the future of Associate membership.
  • Discounts on events, conferences and professional resources.

Questions?
Email associate@rgd.ca

Six volunteers posing for the camera at DesignThinkers 2024 in Toronto. RGD Volunteers at DesignThinkers 2024 in Toronto. Volunteering at RGD Conferences is one of the benefits of participating on the Committee.

Why Join

Our Members describe the experience as professionally enriching and personally rewarding. From expanding your creative network to contributing to design initiatives that impact the national community, the Associate Committee is a space to grow, connect and lead. Whether you’re a recent grad, freelancer or transitioning professional, the Committee offers a supportive space to find your footing—and your voice—within Canada’s design industry.

Check out the 2025 Associate RGD Committee Report
Bella Sanchez on-stage at DesignThinkers 2025 introducing a speaker. A new opportunity available to Associate Committee Members, Committee Co-Chair Bella Sanchez introduces a speaker on-stage at DesignThinkers 2025 in Vancouver.

Committee Chairs

Accessibility System Design UX

Rupsha is a Designer specializing in Human-Centered Design, an Emerging Design Educator, and an Emerging Design Researcher. Rupsha is pursuing her Master of Design at York. Her work involves looking at the...

Art Direction Brand Strategy Branding

Bella is a designer who thrives in the junction of creative chaos; where strategy, creativity and storytelling converge. She finds clarity in the messy parts, shaping ideas into work that feels intentional...

Committee Members

Marketing Print Web Design

Hello Bonjour ;] I’m Brianna, a bilingual interdisciplinary designer with experience in The Industry™ since 2020. I deliver branded assets across web, print, and motion in both of Canada’s official langua...

Branding Corporate Communications Packaging

Hi! I am a graphic designer who is passionate about impactful design. Making positive impact through my creative work is what motivates me whether it is sustainability or diversity. My work ranges from cor...

Branding Packaging

I'm a Toronto-based graphic designer specializing in packaging design, logo creation, and brand identity. I craft visually engaging and strategic designs that help brands stand out and connect with their a...

Branding Packaging Web Design

Jumanah Abualkhair is an independent graphic designer with a passion for culture and communication. She supports businesses, design studios and agencies with branding, packaging, web and editorial design. ...

Branding Digital Marketing Information Design
Branding Digital Marketing Print Production
Branding Editorial System Design
Accessibility Branding Corporate Communications

Sam Sporich is a graphic designer based in Winnipeg, MB. They received their design education from Centennial College and graduated with High Honours in 2024. They previously attended the University of Wat...

Information Design Marketing Service Design

Tara Jakubiec (she/her) is a designer and researcher specializing in accessibility, culture, and visual communication. Born and raised on Vancouver Island, she holds a Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design ...

Branding Editorial Print

A dynamic visual designer with a passion for typography and editorials. I love experimentation and seek challenging work with learning opportunities to further build upon the skills I have. Also play bass ...