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

Interested in getting involved? Apply here

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 2026 Associate RGD Committee Highlights
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

Hello, I’m Bella! I’m an award-winning art director and designer specializing in building creative worlds through strategy, visual storytelling, and branding. I’ve come to believe design is at its best whe...

Committee Members

Accessibility Creative Direction UI

My name is Uswa and I am a Graphic and UI-UX Designer with a background in Textile design. Over the years, I have completed a variety of projects which include designing app interfaces, poster designs, and...

Corporate Communications

Living deep in the Rocky Mountains and fighting the good fight for accessibility in government communications. Endlessly scrolling through typeface options to match vibes, always stoked to do multi-page ed...

I graduated from George Brown College's Graphic Design program, where I developed essential skills in branding strategies with a dedicated focus on advertising. I have a passion for the art of visual story...

Art Direction Branding Editorial

Hi, I am Ria! I'm a Graphic Designer & Art Director specializing in brand identity, campaign design, and digital experiences. I build cohesive design systems, lead visual direction, and create work tha...

Art Direction Experiential Design UI

Ally Crupi, pseudonym internos, is a multidisciplinary designer from Toronto. She specializes in branding and design of identities, experience design, and 3D play. With a keen eye for detail, united by ins...

Branding Print Web Design

Graphic designer specializing in branding, visual communication, and marketing design. Known for a detail-oriented approach, strong conceptual thinking, and the ability to develop creative solutions that b...

Branding UI UX

Throughout my career I’ve been a learner, acquiring new skills and experiences, from ring making to nearly joining the military; however, what I’ve become most passionate about is making user-centred desig...

Branding Editorial System Design
Product Design UI UX

I’m a learning experience and visual designer who helps people make sense of complex tools, systems, and ideas. I design digital product experiences, translate knowledge into something approachable, and cr...

Book Design Branding Illustration

Hey there! I’m Aysha, a Graphic Designer and Illustrator with a love for playful visual storytelling, thoughtful design, and bold colour. During my professional experience so far, I’ve worked on book cove...

Branding Illustration Packaging
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 languag...

Branding Information Design Service Design

I’m a graphic designer passionate about transforming complex information, research, and human-centred challenges into clear, accessible, and meaningful experiences through branding, information design, and...

Branding Digital Marketing Print Production
Branding Information Design Packaging

Hi I'm Priya Shukle! I'm an Indian-Polish-Canadian graphic designer and illustrator with a passion for design that supports people and communities. My favourite parts of the design process are the early st...