A customer and employee experience leader for over 5 years, Jessica Hoang has spent the last 3 years as a multidisciplinary freelance designer pursuing her passion for accessibility and inclusivity. She is a guru for good, leveraging strategic design and research-based execution between corporate teams and local nonprofits to increase social impact through inclusivity, accessibility and social equity. You can find her crushing her next outdoor adventure with Kiba the Shiba, from climbing to travel, with a toolkit of podcasts and books.

Megan Kimmitt is the Creative Director, Brand Management at a philanthropy and advocacy organization. She has over a decade of experience leading teams and mentoring designers to execute effective creative materials for the health care, energy, federal agency, and craft brewing industries. Megan lives in the DC metro area with her husband and two children.

Juan Pablo Madrid is a visual designer working at the intersection of policy and design. He currently serves at the Congressional Research Service (CRS) within the Library of Congress, where he partners with policy analysts to produce design-driven research for the U.S. Congress. Previously, he led the design team at a digital marketing firm, where he explored emerging technologies to tackle complex challenges. Throughout his career, Juan Pablo has led design and interactive projects across the government, nonprofit, healthcare, and economic development sectors. Originally from Guatemala, he spent nearly a decade in New Orleans before relocating to the D.C. area.

Natalia Celine Arias is a multidisciplinary creative based in Baltimore, MD, with roots in Miami, FL. With expertise in fine art, graphic design, sound, illustration, and film, she possesses a diverse skillset. Natalia holds a BFA in Graphic Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and has mentored emerging creatives with MICA, the T. Howard Foundation, AIGA DC SHINE, ADPList, All Tech Is Human, NEW INC, and 100 Roses from Concrete. Dedicated to supporting mission-driven organizations through branding, Natalia serves on the design team of higher education nonprofit ITHAKA and owns Play By Celine LLC, uplifting gender diverse, queer, and BIPOC stories in media. Natalia pushes boundaries in design, fostering inclusivity and equity in the industry.

Sarah is currently a user experience designer at A1M Solutions. A Coding it Forward Civic Digital Fellowship alum, Sarah holds an MA from the George Washington University’s Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. Her work has appeared on NPR’s TED Radio Hour. Prior to working in interaction design, Sarah served in various capacities in nonprofit programming, operations, and graphic design. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys arranging flowers and antiquing.

Nabi Bilal is a graphic artist and creative director. He has published and illustrated four children's books, served as the lead animator for a feature film, workshopped with Sesame Street, and is currently developing a series of short films that examine the intersection of religion, politics, and American society. A longtime artistpreneur, he's the co-founder of CreativeJunkFood, a multimedia creative studio that focuses on animation/video, branding & design, and murals & art installations. He enjoys practicing the ukulele and is a firm believer that teamwork makes the dream work.

Sarah Cleary is a digital communications leader at an advocacy organization in the health care policy industry. She has more than five years of experience creating innovative digital content, improving workflows, and managing digital communications projects for member associations and federal agencies. A movie buff and a sneaker fanatic, Sarah enjoys spending her free time watching the latest releases at the cinema or following sneaker culture and fashion creators.

Anike is a Washington, DC-based Art Director with nearly a decade of experience in creative strategy, visual identity development, and multi-platform design. A graduate of American University’s Graphic Design program, she has cultivated a holistic approach through diverse in-house and agency roles, contributing to all stages of the design process from concept to execution. Currently, Anike leads a design team creating impactful corporate learning experiences for clients across tech, education, non-profit, and consumer sectors. In addition to savoring the creative community in DC, she enjoys playing tennis with her husband, tending to her vegetable garden, and hosting gatherings with friends.

Aprile is the Senior Graphic Designer, Brand Development at Bozzuto, where she spearheads corporate brand initiatives with precision and creativity. With little over a decade of diverse design experience spanning both in-house and agency environments, Aprile brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds joy in cherishing moments with her husband and two children.

“Attitude determines altitude” has been Natalie’s mantra since justifying to her Middle Eastern parents why she should study art. That included a specialized Fashion Design program, then graduating from VCU’s School of the Arts with a major in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Mass Communications. Currently, she is an Experience Manager at a design-centered organization, but you can usually find her spending time with her dog, Athena while researching and advocating for environmental sustainability.

Lisa Leung is a product designer and user researcher based in Washington, D.C., where she runs her digital product studio, Fortis Design. Lisa brings her interests in responsible tech, intelligent agents, systems thinking, and human-centered design methodologies to design high-impact systems across organizations. Her approach to design: (elegant) simplicity, tactical experimentation, intention, and integrity.

Nick is a Creative Director, a founding staff member, and a Partner at the Pivot Group. Nick has 20 years of experience in advertising and design. In his current role Nick has helped elect people at all levels of government, from municipal office to the halls of Congress and from state legislatures to governor’s mansions. Prior to his current role he worked for clients ranging from Coca Cola to Mitsubishi Electric to Marriott. Nick loves print work (CMYK 4 Lyf) and is passionate about design leadership. When he’s not lending a hand at a Pivot photoshoot, Nick can be found running, either for pleasure or after his kids and pets, but not for office.

Robbie Stanfield is a creative strategist and advocate for AI literacy, dedicated to bridging the gap between technology and human-centered design. With roots in arts education and UX design, she brings a storytelling mindset to crafting digital experiences and collaborative programs that foster curiosity and connection. Robbie. has led multidisciplinary productions with community partners and now works in marketing strategy across the AI and healthcare sectors. She uses narrative to make complex technologies more relatable and remains focused on designing with empathy to connect people, shift perspectives, and drive real-world impact.

With close to 30 years of professional design and communications experience, Greg Aylsworth is a designer and brand coordinator at the National Park Service. He manages visitor center exhibit projects for park sites across the country. Gene also leads the NPS Brand Ambassador Program, Identity Work Group, and is a member of the Arrowhead Committee, which oversees use of park service intellectual property. Previously, he founded Octoblend, a brand identity consultancy. Gene also served as Assistant Communications Director, Senior Designer, and a brand innovator at The Ohio State University Department of Athletics.

Nursena is a graphic designer at the United Nations Foundation, passionate about designing and storytelling for creating a better world. With experience as a multidisciplinary designer, Nursena has designed for all types of organizations including Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and small businesses. Her love of art and travel has taken her to many different countries worldwide, where she enjoys experiencing new cultures, adventuring outdoors, and trying new food.

Stephanie Rudig is a freelance graphic designer, writer, and illustrator who works with publications, non-profits, agencies, and small businesses. Her focus is on creating vibrant editorial experiences, user-friendly assets for non-designers, and joyful, accessible designers. As a writer, she spotlights DMV artists, covers cultural topics, and critiques contemporary art and theater. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Rhode Island School of Design. Her other interests include making artist books, George magazine, chickens, puns, and her three-legged cat.

Tim Hoagland has served for a decade at the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), most recently as the tech policy nonprofit's Deputy Director of Communications. Tim has long helped to oversee the organization’s messaging and strategy, while continuing to develop its award-winning visual voice as an art director and designer. He directs the strategy & implementation of all of CDT’s publicly-facing platforms, with a hand in everything from social media marketing to web development, illustration and graphic design, photography, and videography.

Lauren works as a service designer at Steampunk, a human-centered design firm serving the federal government. She is also a founding editor of Springer’s AI and Ethics journal and an editor for Data and Policy, an open access journal with Cambridge University Press. She has written for Harvard Data Science Review, Financial Times, and The Guardian, among other publications. In her spare time, Lauren loves running, fostering dogs, and serving on the Board of Alumni and Friends of The London School of Economics, where she was elected Vice President in 2021.

Devyani is a graphic designer with a foundation in visual arts and arts history. With an MFA in graphic design from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), she primarily focuses on branding with a special interest in type design and publication. In her personal practice, She broadly draws inspirations from the everyday life around her to create interesting visual narratives through diverse mediums.

Kara Mask, a Creative Vice President, has built and led global design teams in DC, London, and Singapore.  She designs and directs for challenges like nation branding, criminal justice reform, cultural perception, and small business empowerment. Her clients include the NFL, NYU, Intuit, World Wildlife Fund, the Home Depot, and Meta. A Texas native and MICA alumna, she embraces creativity with both unbridled passion and practical sensibility. Let's go do good work!!

Eden Angelina is a creative strategist and program manager with a deep commitment to equity, storytelling, and community impact. As the founder of GardenViews Creative, Eden leads the development and execution of compelling campaigns and digital content strategies that help brands connect authentically with their audiences. With a background in diversity, equity, and inclusion, she has also led organization-wide DEI initiatives by crafting foundational strategies, launching employee resource groups, and implementing inclusive programming that fosters belonging across teams. Her work sits at the intersection of culture and impact. She develops creative activations, manages large-scale events, and advises organizations on how to communicate with clarity, inclusivity, and heart. Whether producing a social campaign, directing brand strategy, or designing community programs, Eden brings purpose, people, and innovation to everything she creates.

Michael Suriano is a Senior Visualization Specialist at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Corporate Communications. A two-time AIGA FLUX Finalist, he has also worked for the United States Navy, Norfolk Public Library, and the Collegiate Water Polo Association. Michael has lived abroad in Cuba, Spain, Japan, and Puerto Rico, and studied at the United States Naval Academy and Old Dominion University.

Nicole Albertie is an accomplished Creative Director with over a decade of experience bringing ideas to life. She has excelled in ideating, researching, and crafting visually stunning campaigns and design systems for renowned brands such as Capital One, Toyota, and Land Rover. Her passion lies in forging connections, promoting inclusivity, and pushing creative boundaries. A native of Houston, TX, Nicole holds an MFA in Advertising and a BA in Graphic Design.

Bryana Ellis is a design specialist with a flair for innovation in user experience, human-centered design, and mass communications. She’s all about creating inclusive programs that empower underrepresented communities and build spaces for self-expression and collaboration, especially at the crossroads of design, beauty, and tech. Based in the DC metro area, Bryana loves exploring holistic wellness, finding new ways to make art, and crafting herbal remedies in her free time.

Jasmine Henderson is a graphic designer from Houston, Texas, with a BFA in Graphic Design from Texas Tech University. She is a Senior Graphic Designer at the National Geographic Society, specializing in brand and creative strategy. With over eight years of experience, Jasmine uses design to uplift underrepresented voices and tell purposeful, community-centered stories. She has worked with nonprofits, cultural institutions, and educational organizations to design campaigns that connect and drive impact. She continues to collaborate with local nonprofits, creating design solutions that inform and inspire.

Kella is a Senior Designer at Eighty2Degrees, joining the studio in 2022 after launching her design career in 2018. With a dual background—a B.A. in Mass Communication and a B.F.A. in Visual Communication—she combines technical expertise with a passion for storytelling. A bold creative, Kella thrives on collaborating with her team and clients as true creative partners. She is deeply committed to designing for social good, maintaining excellence in every project, and making a positive impact in her community. Whether brainstorming innovative solutions or refining established ideas, Kella’s work is driven by the belief that great design can transform challenges into opportunities for change.

Zhang Long is a product experience designer bridging digital innovation with traditional business. After graduating from the Corcoran School of Design, he worked in crypto product design, helping secure investment for the startup he worked with. Zhang now leads the U.S. market entry for his family's established spicy sauce brand. He applies his design expertise to revitalize retail products, bringing a fresh perspective to both tech-driven solutions and heritage businesses. Zhang is passionate about empowering new designers to go beyond their limits and fostering cross-cultural connections through his work.

Alexa Powell is fueled by a passion for building creative communities (and a knack for organizing events down to the tiniest detail). Her true superpower is the ability to turn ideas into action. With a background in Urban Planning—and a resume that reads like a blueprint for getting things done—she brings extensive experience in project management, event coordination, stakeholder engagement, graphic design, and public communications. Outside of work, you can find her hosting cozy dinner parties, reading nonfiction (preferably with an espresso), watching documentary films, rowing, or supporting fellow creatives.

Dara has been the AIGA DC Chapter Administrator for 20 years. She is also a social work graduate student and works in the field of mental health. She continues to provide support to the dynamic, ever-changing board of volunteers with AIGA DC. Her favorite party conversations involve power rangers, baked goods, and military personnel/dog reunion videos.