Juan Pablo Madrid
President
he/him
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.
Tim Hoagland
Vice President, Secretary
he/him
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.
Aprile Smith
Programming Director
she/her
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.
Anike Skeete
Programming Director
she/her
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.
Nabi Bilal
Communications Director
he/him
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.
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.
Kayhla Waters
Operations Director & Treasurer
she/her
Kayhla Waters is a senior user experience designer who builds user-first systems and processes for organizations. With nearly a decade in GovTech, she specializes in creating ethical, inclusive, and user-driven solutions. She holds an MSc in Digital Media Design and a BS in Computer Science and Digital Media, grounding her work in human-centered design and real-world implementation. Kayhla has led end-to-end solutions on cross-functional teams, wearing many hats along the way. Her work spans uncovering insights, crafting solutions, fostering collaboration with developers, and seeing projects through to implementation. Outside of work, she enjoys trying new local restaurants and supporting small businesses through her company, KayC Media.
Megan Kimmitt
Chapter Administrator
she/her
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.
Robbie Stanfield
DC Design Week Co-Chair
she/her
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.
Eden Patrick
DC Design Week Co-Chair
she/her
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.
Kara Mask
Education Chair
she/her
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!!
Jasmine Henderson
Mentorship Chair
she/her
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.
Rasul Sha'ir
Design For Good Chair
 
Rasul Sha’ir is a 2x TEDx Producer, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, culture strategist, and innovation architect. He is the co-founder of Khemiya, a boutique consultancy specializing in design thinking, narrative strategy, and ecosystem building. He is also the co-founder and executive producer of DAY ONE DNA, an immersive multimedia exhibition featuring the archives of hip hop icons Ice T and DJ Afrika Islam. As the Director of Education and Advisory services at the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), he oversees the design and implementation of innovative products, services, and initiatives for start-up, growth, and expansion-stage businesses. In his free time, Rasul enjoys collecting vintage furnishings and accessories, developing his Spotify playlists, and spending time with his wife, seeking out food eateries, day trips, and entertainment adventures around Washington, DC, and beyond.
Latasha Jones
Awards Chair
she/her
Latasha Jones is 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.
Yemi Adewumi
Civic Design Chair
she/her
Yemi 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.
Kella Keck
Programming Coordinator
she/her
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
Programming Coordinator
he/him
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.
Akilah Lopez Brewer
Programming Coordinator
she/her
Akilah 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 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.
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.
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.
Greg Aylsworth
Managing Editor
he/him
With close to 30 years of professional design and communications experience, Greg Aylsworth is the brand manager at the National Park Service. He 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. Greg also served as Assistant Communications Director, Senior Designer, and a brand innovator at The Ohio State University Department of Athletics.
Meghan Romance
Communications Coordinator
she/her
Meghan Romance is passionate about making information accessible to a wide audience and exploring the intersectionality of Art + Design practices. One of her favorite past times is researching new topics, whether that be through books, seminars, tutorials, or a deep dive through the internet. Meghan treats every project as its own research opportunity in what some have called her own brand of analytical creativity. Her professional career has ranged from STEM education and history, to highlighting performing arts education, performances, and hospitality.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Natalie Aziz
Design Continuum Fund Chair
she/her
“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.
Nick Snyder
Sponsorship Coordinator
he/him
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.
Eden Elam
Sponsorship Coordinator
she/her
Eden Elam is a strategist working at the intersection of storytelling, civic engagement, and business development. Her experience spans film, adtech, architecture, advocacy, and education—where she has supported CEOs, launched startups, and led community-driven design initiatives. Eden holds an MFA in Transdisciplinary Design from Parsons School of Design and a BSBA in Markets, Innovation & Design from Bucknell University. She is a Posse Scholar, a member of The New School Alumni Board, and a contributing writer to Understanding FAFSA, a publication that demystifies the federal student aid application process for high school students. Eden is also the founder of Theory & Stone, a creative practice that helps founders translate vision into form and ideas into impact.
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.
Open Position
Apply Today
Learn More
Contact us to learn more about opportunities to join the board.