Based on an exceptionally strong pool of nominations, the 2026 AIGA DC Nominating Committee has selected the following appointees to fill open seats on the Board of Directors for a two-year term ending June 15, 2028.
We’re excited to introduce the newest members of the AIGA DC Board of Directors:
Akilah Lopez Brewer
Programming Coordinator
she / her
Akilah Brewer is a Senior Project Manager at Collective Architecture with over 15 years of experience leading interior architecture and design projects from concept through construction. She specializes in coordinating multidisciplinary teams, navigating complexity, and aligning design vision with execution. With a passion for creative strategy and cultural engagement, Akilah brings a unique perspective at the intersection of design, operations, and storytelling. Her work extends beyond the built environment into fashion and creative programming, supporting initiatives that elevate design’s role in shaping culture and community.
Amira Rasayon
Programming Coordinator
she / her
Amira Rasayon is an Exhibition Designer and multidisciplinary artist dedicated to building educational experiences that connect people from different communities. She seeks to preserve history and highlight new perspectives by using advances in technology to make information more accessible. With a B.F.A in Environmental Design from MICA one of Amira’s guiding principles is that design is a service. During her 10+ years in the museum industry Amira has focused on taking ideas and transforming them
into tangible experiences that are visually engaging. Amira believes successful design is built on empathy and aims to find solutions to overcome boundaries. She believes that smart design uses sustainable methods, inspires curiosity, and works to unite various communities.
Ania Siniuk
Design Fellow
she / her
Ania Siniuk is an illustrator and designer based in Maryland who loves capturing people and moments that radiate strength, confidence, and authenticity. Her work is defined by vibrant color palettes, bold patterns, and graphic, expressive figures that celebrate individuality and empowerment.Through her work, she aims to inspire others to see the power within themselves and the world around them.
Courtney Chase
Communications Deputy Director
she / her
Courtney is a multidisciplinary creative and strategist blending design, storytelling, and content production to create thoughtful, visually engaging experiences. With a background in branding, information, and digital design, she helps brands and change makers connect with purpose through authentic, impact-driven work. She is the founder of CC Creative, working with freelance clients to bring ideas to life. As an educator, Courtney has taught and mentored emerging designers at MICA, George Washington University,
Stevenson University, and University of Texas Austin.
Damany Mathis
Creative Community Ambassador
he / him
Damany Mathis is a Washington, D.C.-based creative strategist and cultural preservationist with over 20 years of experience across music, education, and brand storytelling. His work focuses on connecting culture, community, and design—creating pathways for creatives to see themselves within the broader creative landscape. He has led community initiatives, developed culturally relevant programming, and collaborated on projects that bridge art, storytelling, and real-world impact. Currently pursuing a degree in graphic design, Damany is committed to learning, growing, and supporting the next generation of creatives.
Diane D’Costa
Creative Community Ambassador
she / her
Diane leverages the power of human-centered design to think creatively and collectively vision and action toward a more just world. Diane co-leads the Opportunity Portfolio at IDEO.org focusing on co-design with youth and the adults who support them, exploring themes of community, connection, economic mobility, and thriving. Diane also directs a youth leadership program in Maryland and has an independent art practice teaching and creating at District Clay Center. Previously, Diane served as a classroom teacher before working in local government. She graduated from the University of Virginia with degrees in Leadership & Public Policy and Youth & Social Innovation.
Isaac Abdiel Lopez Ramirez
Social Media Content Creator
he / him
Isaac Abdiel is an international student from Monterrey, Mexico, currently studying Advertising Design at Bowie State University. With a background in Marketing and E-Commerce, his work focuses on branding, digital media, and visual storytelling across student publications, nonprofits, and community initiatives. Isaac has contributed to organizations including The Spectrum at Bowie State University and The Owl Newspaper at Prince George’s Community College. He is also the founder of Latino Made Studio, a nonprofit creative initiative focused on branding and supporting small businesses through accessible and community-centered design.
Jurnee Peltier
Social Media Content Creator
she / her
Jurnee B. Peltier is a multimedia specialist and photographer focused on creating visually compelling, socially driven content that connects brands to the community. She holds an M.S. in Multimedia, Photography, and Design from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, where she built a foundation in visual storytelling and creative production. With experience leading productions across the hospitality, education, nonprofit, and beauty industries. Jurnee brings a sharp eye for visual identity and social media strategy. She specializes in channel management and social-first content that balances brand objectives with representative storytelling, creating digital strategies that bridge brands and the communities they serve.
Lucky Haile
Communications Coordinator
she / her
Lucky Haile is a Washington DC-based communications specialist and design enthusiast. With over a decade of experience in public affairs, media relations, and storytelling, she has built her reputation as a champion of the arts, amplifying filmmakers and visual artists with unwavering commitment. Lucky believes design is more than just aesthetics; it is a language, an invitation, and a tool for change, reimagining, and connection.
Latasha Jones
Awards Chair
she / her
Latasha Jones is a creative strategist and experience designer focused on shaping intentional, human-centered design experiences that connect storytelling, systems thinking, and community impact. Her work explores how design can be experienced, not just seen, but elevating engagement, meaning, and visibility within creative spaces. She is passionate about building thoughtful, future-focused design experiences that bridge creativity, leadership, and community.
Madeleine Brown
Programming Coordinator
she / her
Madeleine Brown is a designer from Maryland and a proud alum of the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at the George Washington University. Madeleine is passionate about design that helps people feel confident, connected, and in control. She is a Signage & Wayfinding Designer at Gensler, where she brings that passion to life. Since 2022, she has been proud to serve with AIGA, grateful for a community that has shaped her growth as a designer. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering at church and hosting gatherings for family and friends.
Muna Abdulkader
Design Fellow
she / her
Muna Abdulkader is a Product Designer with a background in film and media. She creates intentional, user-focused experiences rooted in strategy and human connection. Before transitioning into design, she spent five years in film festival production, where she developed a love of collaboration and creative communities. She’s passionate about fostering spaces that encourage curiosity, meaningful connection, and strategic storytelling. When she’s not designing, you can find her conjugating Italian verbs and unsuccessfully teaching her cats tricks (she’s optimistic, though).
Pamela Briones
Communications Coordinator
she / her
Pamela Briones is a visual designer working across editorial design, branding, and data visualization, with a focus on translating complex ideas through clear and intentional design. Originally from Ecuador and based in the DMV area, she brings an international and analytical perspective to her work, driven by sustainability, policy, and strategic communication. As the founder of PBO Creative, LLC, she has led creative and communications projects across international organizations and brands. Outside of work, she enjoys tennis, travel, art, and architecture.
Trinity Lipscomb
Programming Coordinator
she / her
With 5 years of experience in graphic design and illustration, Trinity Lipscomb creates bold, cohesive brand experiences that blend strategy with creativity. A BA graduate in Graphic Design, she has designed across email, social, web, display, and print for brands including Comedy Central and Paramount Network. Passionate about branding, illustration, and visual storytelling, Trinity approaches every project with a strong eye for detail, color, and community engagement. She believes great branding is built on trust, cohesion, and design that makes people feel connected to a brand.
Yemi Adewunmi
Civic Design Chair
she / her
Yemi Adewunmi is a product designer and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of design, technology, strategic operations, and public policy. A former public policy analyst, Yemi cofounded Plural Policy, a legislative intelligence software company, which was acquired by SAI360 in 2025. Yemi is also the founder of Vantwerp Design & Innovation, providing advisory services in marketing, branding, and art curation. She’s worked with startups, nonprofits, government agencies, universities, small businesses, and corporations to develop strong operational systems, brand identities, and user-focused product strategies. She believes design is the mechanism by which complex problems become effective solutions.
Learn more about all of our Board of Directors.
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By Jessica Hoang
Published June 1, 2026
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