"Elana is amazing and the RGD is fortunate to have her as a dedicated volunteer. Her contributions to the RGD programs and events have enriched our Membership at all levels alike. She is committed to sharing her knowledge and experiences as a designer and business owner. Every responsibility Elana takes on, she executes it to perfection. We’re excited for her to be presenting at the upcoming DesignThinkers Conference in Toronto." — Kathleen Scott RGD, Chair, RGD Events Committee. 

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

I started volunteering with the RGD almost immediately after getting Certified in 2020. I've contributed to articles, presented webinars, led roundtable discussions, created social media content and been involved in the Mentorship program and Virtual Portfolio Review Week. I'll also be speaking at DesignThinkers Toronto later this month.

What contribution are you most proud of?
I'm proud of contributing to an article that highlighted female-owned design firms. Having a chance to tell my founding story was a fun trip down memory lane and hopefully I can inspire other women in the industry to aspire to leadership positions.

What is the most surprising/unexpected thing to come out of volunteering with the RGD?
How much I enjoy it! The more involved I become with the RGD, the more I gain in feeling connected to this wonderful community.

What have you learned about the industry since volunteering for the RGD?
Creatives are genuinely interested in helping and supporting each other. There is space for all of us and the more inclusive our industry becomes, the more we benefit collectively. 

Based on your experience volunteering with the RGD, how would you describe the role of the organization in the industry?
Absolutely vital. The RGD is a place for both new and seasoned designers alike to continue to learn, grow and be part of something larger. The RGD also plays a pivotal role in helping to shape the perception of our industry to those outside of it.

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?
Being a volunteer has allowed me to connect with other creatives I may not have otherwise had the chance to meet during a time when it's been particularly difficult to cross paths in person. Volunteering can sound like a big commitment, but in truth the amount of time you donate is scaleable and flexible, so if you're considering it — do it!

Do you have thoughts on what you might like to do as a volunteer with the RGD in the future?
I'm very excited to be speaking at DesignThinkers later this month on Defying Self Perceptions to Design a Career You Love (if you're around, come say hi! I'm very friendly after coffee). It's not always easy to find time, but in the future I'd like to continue pushing myself to find more ways to contribute to the RGD particularly through speaking, meetups and mentorship. 

Elana Rudick RGD is the Founder and Creative Director of Design Is Yummy; an award-winning studio in Montreal that specializes in crafting thoughtful and engaging designs. With a firm belief that the “why” is more important than the “what”, Elana and her team regularly tackle diverse projects for clients in cultural, educational, not-for-profit, retail and corporate spaces. When not working on her RGB glow, you can find her picking through design books or at home baking with her 2 tiny humans.