Two presidents of the same scrappy Charlotte chapter share what it’s like to step up without a roadmap. In this episode of Cheers & Tiers, we sit down with Carolyn Colonna and Taylor Nall, who each led AIGA Charlotte through very different moments of growth and experimentation.They talk about the unexpected ways they found AIGA, what it means to lead with trust instead of ego, and why showing up with openness (and a well-placed DM) can create real change. There’s a quiet kind of bravery in simply showing up—and these two prove it matters.Key TakeawaysDon’t wait for permission: Carolyn stepped into the presidency during a leadership gap—without a plan, but with purpose.Cold DMs work: Taylor reached out to AIGA before he even graduated, and ended up president.Trust is everything: Both leaders focused on vulnerability and connection, not titles.Design solves everything: Even event engagement—just ask the Mullet Meter.Leave it better: Good leaders set others up to thrive after they’re gone.Key Moments in This Episode00:40 – Carolyn’s accidental presidency: stepping up during a leadership gap03:20 – Taylor’s cold DM: reaching out to AIGA before graduating06:05 – From college volunteer to board president: Taylor’s rise08:10 – Leading with trust: Carolyn’s core approach10:40 – Building the next team: why mentorship mattered13:00 – Bridging leadership styles: collaborative handoffs and honest reflection15:10 – The Mullet Meter: a playful way to track event vibes16:30 – What future leaders need: permission, support, and follow-throughAbout Our GuestsCarolyn Colonna is a designer and creative leader based in Boston, MA. Her early career was spent in North Carolina where she helped steer AIGA Charlotte through a leadership gap with a human-centered, trust-first approach. Today she continues to create experiences and environments where creativity and connection thrive. Taylor Nall is the VP of Technology for carbonhouse, a digital agency based in Charlotte, North Carolina and was AIGA Charlotte’s youngest chapter president. He brought a fresh take on leadership, proving that initiative, authenticity, and a good sense of humor can take you far.FeaturingGuest Carolyn Colonna, connect on LinkedInGuest Taylor Nall, connect on LinkedInHost Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedInHost Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedIn Support the ShowTheme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic OceansProduced by Chapter 2 MediaSubscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updates

What do pyramid photos, Harry Potter, and a karaoke dare from Debbie Millman have in common? They’re all part of Jenn Visocky O’Grady and Justin Ahrens’ journey through AIGA leadership—and proof that the best design stories don’t always happen on stage. In this episode, they reflect on 20+ years of retreats, road trips, poster campaigns, and unexpected friendships. From building student chapters and Design for Good initiatives to scaling purpose-driven work through their careers, they show how showing up (and sometimes singing) can change everything.Key TakeawaysYou had to earn it: Retreats weren’t perks—they were rewards for doing the work.Brave questions open doors: Jenn’s habit of speaking up led to a lifelong friendship.Design for Good made waves: Local efforts grew into national campaigns with real impact.Relationships were the pipeline: Conferences led to collaborations, career moves—and family vacations.Small chapters mattered: Big ideas came from all corners, not just the coasts.You don’t need to pyramid: Even the cautious (hi Jenn) found their place—and their people.Key Moments in This Episode00:45 – Meeting at Austin: Jenn and Justin cross paths at a leadership retreat and bond over a big design question04:15 – Chapter to national: How local board service led to the AIGA national stage06:40 – Design family: Retreats became the annual reunion neither of them wanted to miss08:40 – Commitment check: Rachel skips a cousin’s wedding to attend the Denver retreat10:00 – Heroes, humanized: From Debbie Millman karaoke to airport pickups with Kit Hinrichs12:20 – One brave question: Jenn speaks up, Justin notices—and a friendship begins17:55 – Chaos and costumes: Pizza suits, pyramid photos, and how scale gave projects life23:45 – Real-world prep: AIGA board service trained them for academic and agency leadership30:45 – What’s “good” now?: Memes, AI, and the missing design role models44:50 – Path to Impact: How one national initiative started with 200 members in ClevelandAbout Our GuestsJenn Visocky O’Grady  Jenn is Associate Dean and full professor at Cleveland State University, co-founder of AIGA Cleveland’s student chapter, and co-author of The Information Design Handbook (and three other books) with her husband Ken. Her design work has appeared in How, Print, and Communication Arts. These days she leads a massive academic department and still finds time for pyramid photos, family vacations, and community impact. Also known as “Safety Jen.”Justin Ahrens  Justin is Chief Creative Officer of Rule29, a Certified B Corp focused on using design to create positive impact. He’s a TEDx speaker, podcast host (Design Of, Creative Shit Show), and co-creator of initiatives like Wheels for Water, which helped bring clean water access to over 20,000 people. He believes in community, vulnerability, and big swings—and credits AIGA for the most meaningful friendships in his life.FeaturingGuest Jenn Visocky O’Grady, connect on LinkedInGuest Justin Ahrens, connect on LinkedInHost Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedInHost Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedInSupport the ShowTheme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic OceansProduced by Chapter 2 MediaSubscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updates

Two leaders who first met at an AIGA conference and ended up married share how a small but mighty chapter built national programs—and how retreats, late nights, and a little chaos shaped their leadership journey. Laurel Webster and James “Jamey” Hersick trace their path from student chapters and dissolving boards to facilitating competitions like Flux, pulling off unforgettable events, and carrying design-for-good values into their client work. Along the way, they recount pyramids, beer swaps, and 6 a.m. lobby hangouts that turned colleagues into lifelong friends.Key TakeawaysSmall chapters, big impact: Even under 100 members, Blue Ridge launched programs like Flux and Mock Up that went national.Jumping in works: Both Laurel and Jamey stepped into leadership without a roadmap and kept their chapter alive.Retreats change everything: Omaha, Denver, Grand Rapids, and Raleigh weren’t just meetings—they were accelerators for ideas and friendships.Traditions matter: Human pyramids, beer swaps, and the “6 a.m. club” became part of AIGA lore.Design for Good lives on: Early AIGA initiatives continue to guide their purpose-driven client work.Core values lead the way: Defining principles helped them align business, life, and leadership.Key Moments in This Episode00:45 – Meeting at Pivot: Laurel and Jamey cross paths in Phoenix over a Design for Good panel and one unforgettable question.03:40 – Long-distance beginnings: Flying between West Virginia and California before deciding to make it official.06:15 – From treasurer to president: Jamey’s reluctant start in Blue Ridge leadership.07:40 – Jumping into the deep end: Laurel volunteers to be chapter president just months after moving cross-country.09:10 – Small but mighty: How Blue Ridge grew student programming and turned Flux into an international competition.13:25 – Retreat icebreakers: Jamey’s first encounter with Debbie Millman—and Omaha’s unforgettable Embassy Suites jungle.16:20 – Pyramid initiation: Laurel’s first glimpse of the human pyramid tradition at Grand Rapids.18:50 – Beer swaps and rooftop hangs: Why retreat room parties built lasting connections.20:30 – Finding belonging: When retreats transformed AIGA from cliquish to “these are my people.”25:20 – Lessons that stick: How facilitation, mentorship, and collaboration still shape their client work today.27:40 – From design to place: Current projects helping Alabama communities connect history, heritage, and future growth.34:40 – Core values in the air: A plane ride that pushed them to define personal and business principles.36:10 – Power of intimacy: Why small chapters created trust, agency, and innovation.40:00 – Punching above their weight: Blue Ridge’s Mock Up, mentoring tours, and even high school outreach.About Our GuestsLaurel Webster is Principal and Creative Director of Hersick+Webster Creative Partners, the brand marketing agency she co-founded with her husband, James. Their award-winning work helps purpose-driven organizations create meaningful solutions for people and places, earning recognition from GDUSA, Print, and the Art Director’s Club. A California native now based in West Virginia, Laurel also serves on local nonprofit boards, teaches yoga, and stays busy with long-distance running, two sons, and three dogs.James Hersick is Principal and Director of Strategy and Design Impact at Hersick+Webster Creative Partners, where he draws on more than 20 years of experience to help organizations build thriving, purpose-driven communities. His work spans five continents and has been honored by GDUSA, Print, and the Art Director’s Club. Active in his local community as a board member and organizer, James is also a writer, artist, and outdoorsman—when he’s not busy being Dad to two boys and three dogs.FeaturingGuest Laurel Webster, connect on LinkedInGuest James Hersick, connect on LinkedInHost Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedInHost Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedInSupport the ShowTheme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic OceansProduced by Chapter 2 MediaSubscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updates

Two longtime friends turned co-leaders share how they built AIGA Seattle like a business—and kept the fun alive with hot dogs, karaoke, and pyramids. Kevin Berger and Aaron Shurts recount their journey from board interviews and budget struggles to building sustainable programming and epic conferences. Along the way, they reveal the bonds that leadership retreats created (and the legendary late-night antics that made them unforgettable).Key TakeawaysRun chapters like businesses: Sustainable structure beats constant one-off burnout.Financial stewardship matters: Turning deficits into reserves made big programs possible.Retreats are culture accelerators: They forged instant friendships and solved common challenges across chapters.Traditions build bonds: Pyramids, karaoke, and late-night hot dog runs made retreats unforgettable.Mentorship pays forward: Early AIGA leaders inspired Kevin and Aaron to support the next generation.Leadership translates: Board lessons built confidence, shaped careers, and even extended into new adventures beyond design.Key Moments in This Episode00:21 – From students to presidents: Kevin and Aaron trace their paths into AIGA Seattle leadership, from board interviews to co-leading the chapter.  05:46 – Building structure like a business: How they shifted Seattle’s chapter from burnout one-offs to sustainable programs like Schmooze.  10:33 – Turning red into black: Facing down a negative budget, they created financial sustainability and rebuilt the chapter’s reserves.  14:20 – Into the Woods: The origin of Seattle’s beloved design camp, and the struggle to make big conferences both meaningful and solvent.  20:52 – Connections that matter: Kevin recalls how early mentors like Terry Marks and Jesse Duquillo inspired him to pay it forward to young designers.  29:14 – Retreat revelations: Why leadership retreats felt like “college on steroids,” with instant connections and problem-solving across chapters.  36:40 – Hot dog diplomacy: The unforgettable 3 a.m. Denver street-corner memory—bonding quietly over hot dogs amid city chaos.  42:12 – Pyramid time: How spontaneous human pyramids became the unofficial leadership-retreat tradition (yes, even in elevators).  48:29 – Swim-off showdown: Aaron’s hilarious “race” against Raleigh president Matt Enios—complete with sabotage.  55:18 – Karaoke choreography: Aaron’s Proud Mary performance—with full backup dancers—cemented his legend at retreat karaoke.  1:05:42 – Beyond AIGA: Life after board service—Kevin focused on agency leadership, while Aaron became a certified charter captain leading fishing trips.  About Our GuestsKevin Berger is Executive Creative Director and Partner at Graphiti, where he’s led creative strategy for Amazon, Starbucks, Tableau, and more. He served as Programming Director, VP, and President of AIGA Seattle, helping stabilize its programs and finances.Aaron Shurts is Founder and Principal of Mentor Creative Group, a Seattle-based design and technology agency. With over two decades of experience, he’s held leadership roles at Deloitte Digital, taught at the Art Institutes, and served as AIGA Seattle Vice President and President. Outside design, Aaron is a certified charter captain leading marine adventures in the Pacific Northwest.FeaturingGuest Kevin Berger, connect on LinkedInGuest Aaron Shurts, connect on LinkedInHost Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedInHost Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedInSupport the ShowTheme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic OceansProduced by Chapter 2 MediaSubscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updatesSponsored by: Able Made, The Original Off Pitch Soccer Style: shop nowSponsored by: Draplin Design Company, check us out!Sponsored by: The People's Graphic Design Archive: browse, contribute, and research

From trivia-fueled pool parties in Miami to five-tier pyramids sketched out on cocktail napkins, Jacksonville brought the fun and the leadership to AIGA retreats. In this episode, we’re joined by longtime partners-in-crime Karen Kurycki (aka CMYKaren) and Varick Rosete (TigerLily Chief Design Officer) to relive the wild, heartfelt, and often hilarious stories from their years leading the Jacksonville design community. These two have done it all—presidents, mentors, party planners, pyramid architects—and their chapter motto said it best: “Have fun. Get sh*t done.”Key Takeaways:How a bag of Pringles sparked a legendary retreat icebreaker Why Miami might actually be the birthplace of the pyramid (sorry, Omaha)The mysterious origins of the 6 a.m. Club and why it still lives onBehind the scenes of Jacksonville’s epic “room parties” (and why they weren’t really in Jacksonville’s room)Building lasting community impact—from high school mentorship programs to 70+ chapter events a yearIt’s a trip down memory lane that shows how design leadership is equal parts planning, partying, and people-first community building.Key Moments in This Episode00:16 – Meet the Jacksonville duo: Karen “CMYKaren” Kurycki and Varick Rosete, design leaders known for blending creativity, leadership, and community.02:21 – Karen’s AIGA journey: From volunteer chair to chapter president to launching the Discover Design mentorship program.05:19 – Varick’s fast track: How a love for connecting people turned into a leap from membership to VP to president.06:45 – Miami retreat memories: Poolside beers, Pringles trivia, and the surprising birthplace of the pyramid.10:14 – Pyramid engineering: Napkin sketches, five-tier ambitions, and why security guards weren’t amused.12:00 – Masked introductions: Jacksonville’s Michael Jackson masks made a memorable (and sweaty) first impression.13:41 – Crashing retreats: How Varick became known for sneaking into leadership gatherings without a badge.19:14 – Designing for good: Karen shares how social design talks inspired a decade-long mentorship program in Jacksonville.26:40 – The Jacksonville party myth: Why their chapter became legendary for gatherings—even when they weren’t technically the hosts.29:54 – The 6 a.m. Club: The origin story of an all-night tradition that stretched across multiple retreats.37:23 – 76 events in one year: The ambitious streak that energized (and nearly exhausted) AIGA Jacksonville.40:16 – Beyond AIGA: How both leaders continue to shape community after their official chapter roles.About our guestsKaren Kurycki – Designer, illustrator, and socially engaged creative known for her watercolor work and civic design projects. Former AIGA Jacksonville president and creator of Discover Design, a mentorship program for students.Varick Rosete – Chief Design Officer at TigerLily, longtime Jacksonville design leader, and former AIGA Jacksonville president. Known for connecting cultural resonance with design and building community through events like One Spark Festival.FeaturingGuest Karen Kurycki, connect on LinkedInGuest Varick Rosete, connect on LinkedInHost Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedInHost Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedInSupport the ShowTheme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic OceansProduced by Chapter 2 MediaSubscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updatesSponsored by: Able Made, The Original Off Pitch Soccer Style: shop nowSponsored by: Draplin Design Company, check us out!Sponsored by: The People's Graphic Design Archive: browse, contribute, and research