The AIGA Houston board is filled with passionate and creative volunteers, but have you ever wondered who they are and why they serve? Now is your chance to get to know your local board and committee members below.
Tracy Ngo President
Board Member AIGA Member since 2014 Term: July 2022-June 2024
WHO I AM
(She/Her) I’m a UH grad and in-house graphic designer for Lockton. I help my chef husband run his side businesses. I have a cat (Plaka), a dog (Munchie), plants, and lots of unfulfilled house errands. I overthink and love naps and snacks.
WHY I’M HERE
From a student until now, I’ve realized AIGA always gives back more than I expect: an amazing community, career opportunities, leadership skills, personal and professional development. It inspires me to continue serving our community and be a role model for other AAPI and female creatives.
MY GOALS
We’re still in rebuilding mode, but I want to continue seeing our community come together to connect, learn and inspire each other. I am also still focused on (re)developing a sustainable foundation for our chapter (lots of behind-the-scenes work). I hope my legacy is that future boards are in a better place to continue driving Houston’s creative community forward.
Camila Ruiz Vice President and Interim Co-Operations
Board Member AIGA Member since 2016 Term: July 2022-June 2024
WHO I AM
(She/Her) I am a Colombian graphic designer with a special interest in social impact initiatives, who enjoys collaboration and problem solving.
WHY I’M HERE
AIGA has had an immense impact in my life, not only in terms of my career but also in the creation of new friendships, and I want others to experience the same. It also serves as a platform to amplify the voices of other creative latines in our city, and I want to facilitate that.
MY GOALS
Reconnecting with and rebuilding our community, affected by the pandemic, through meaningful programming and outreach. Continuing to strengthen our chapter’s initiatives so that it can become the best resource for creatives in our city.
Alicia Peña Finance Director
Board Member AIGA Member since 2022 Term: July 2022-June 2024
WHO I AM
(She/Her) Hi y’all! I am a Financial Analyst at Integra Wealth Advisors LLC. I enjoy hiking and road trips! I also enjoy spending time with my nephews and nieces.
WHY I’M HERE
I see this opportunity as a way to give back as a professional. I am excited to work with people that share that passion.
MY GOALS
I hope to leave a positive impact on AIGA.
Sara S. Iqbal Design Advocacy Director
Board Member AIGA Member since 2020 Term: July 2023-June 2025
WHO I AM
(She/Her) I’m the founder, Creative Director for a Graphic Design practice, Graphic Matters. I’m also the co-founder of Indus Arts Council, a non-profit organization promoting the arts and culture of Pakistan through Urdu language, indie films, and cultural programming. I will always compare all genres of surreal fiction to Twilight Zone. I’m a proud mom of 3 boys, including a gray tabby.
WHY I’M HERE
Volunteering with AIGA helped me build confidence and communication skills when I was still a Graphic Design student. After 20+ years, I aim to utilize my professional experience to help other creatives develop confidence and bring about design-driven changes using the resources developed and shared by AIGA.
MY GOALS
I want to create an annual event that introduces Design to everyone curious about its application and pathways, and make AIGA Houston an accessible platform for all creatives of diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Sam Benitez Design Advocacy Chair
Committee Member Nonmember Term: July 2023-June 2024
WHO I AM
(She/Her) Professionally, I focus on DesignOps & strategy and am also a UX/UI Instructor at UTSA. To recharge, I enjoy camping, herbalism, & DIY projects.
WHY I’M HERE
The design community is one of my favorite parts of being a designer. AIGA Hou enables me to find inspiration through like-minded creatives who also believe that we can be a powerful conduit for change & it’s our responsibility to be intentional.
MY GOALS
Be more present and reliable, and proactively foster and maintain partnerships with other organizations around the Houston area — connecting people, resources, and creative opportunities. Internally, support AIGA Hou operations to enhance outreach and communication efforts through digital channels.
Priya Ramkissoon Design Advocacy Coordinator
Committee Member Nonmember Term: July 2023-June 2024
WHO I AM
(She/Her) I am the Founder and Director of a Social Creative Enterprise, Imiloa Collective. A keen explorer of finding hidden gems of places and spaces!
WHY I’M HERE
This role excites me as it aligns significantly with my own professional and personal values. Particularly, the impact it has on the capabilities of creatives and the support /opportunities that can be provided.
MY GOALS
Continue to build upon the core values of unifying in our operations, as well as model those values as we advance our mission to continue to highlight/promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the creative sector and as a community.
Christie Le Design Advocacy Coordinator
Committee Member Nonmember Term: July 2023-June 2024
WHO I AM
(She/Her) I am a graphic designer at Midway Creative Group. In my free time, I am binging reality Netflix shows or using an air fryer.
WHY I’M HERE
As an AIGA Representative at University and an AIGA Volunteer, I saw the dedication of the community and the desire for connection as a designer newly embarking on the journey. I have been inspired to be the aid in developing and deepening relationships while growing as designers in this ever-changing environment.
MY GOALS
I want to bridge the gap between designers and other professional communities. There is space for all, and I believe that genuine curiosity develops respect and understanding that can be applied in every form or function.
Joshua Unikel Design Advocacy (DEI) Coordinator
Committee Member AIGA Member since 2016 Term: July 2023-June 2024
WHO I AM
(He/Him) Jewish designer and assistant professor at the University of Houston’s School of Art.
WHY I’M HERE
As an educator at the University of Houston, I understand the up-and-coming Houston-area designers, who are largely BIPOC and women of color. Through AIGA, I can actively help with DEI initiatives and events that impact our community and reflect the diversity of designers that I see in the classroom and in Houston.
MY GOALS
I understand the importance of listening to others’ perspectives on DEI issues and being an ally. I hope to continue empowering diversity in both our community and organization. I also want to ensure we’re more inclusive to BIPOC designers and addressing BIPOC issues.
Maha Aziz Design Advocacy Ambassador
Committee Member AIGA Member since 2023 Term: July 2023-June 2024
WHO I AM
(She/Her) I am a Lead UI Designer at a sustainable crypto startup. I love learning about how to make the world a more ideal place, whether that’s socially, environmentally, economically, or politically. I have 4 cats and am a dancer.
WHY I’M HERE
I am new to the world of UX design, so I want to connect with local people who may have had a similar journey as me and can help me grow and learn as I adapt to a new career path. Then I would like to help others do the same.
MY GOALS
I would love to focus on events that help increase awareness about accessible design and teach people how to be more inclusive in their designs.
Sabrina Smith Communications Director
Board Member AIGA Member since 2018 Term: July 2022-June 2024
WHO I AM
(She/Her) I am a graphic designer at the Houston Public Library. My hobbies include reading, watching movies, gaming, crochet/knitting, taking care of my houseplants, and playing with my 2 cats.
WHY I’M HERE
I am very reclusive and was having trouble connecting with the design community on my own. I decided to apply with our chapter as a way to get myself out of my bubble and connect with other designers who might feel the same.
MY GOALS
My biggest goal is to get more people knowing this resource is here, providing useful events and networking opportunities and the chance to meet other creatives.
Dani Newman Communications Chair
Committee Member Nonmember Term: July 2023-June 2024
WHO I AM
(She/Her) Although originally from Illinois, I love Houston and have lived here since 2019. In my free time, I’m usually drawing or reading or planning my next hiking trip to somewhere with hills, the one thing Houston lacks.
WHY I’M HERE
I love what AIGA represents. So often, creatives are told that there is a finite amount of opportunities and all your peers, fellow design students, and co-workers are your competition. AIGA counters that rhetoric by creating an important space where designers can connect and find community within each other.
MY GOALS
I want to increase our reach so when we share events and exciting opportunities, we can reach a broader audience.
Hugo Jimenez Communications Coordinator
Committee Member AIGA Member since 2023 Term: July 2023-June 2024
WHO I AM
(He/Him) I am a Digital Marketing Specialist for Space Center Houston. I like music, tea and photography.
WHY I’M HERE
AIGA Houston gave me a lot of positive experiences when I was younger. I want to give back to this community and organization and provide the same, if not better, experience for others.
MY GOALS
I want to contribute in a meaningful way and help build the chapter. Collaborate with the current communications team to facilitate the workload for current and future teams.
Melton Bell III Programming Director
Board Member AIGA Member since 2023 Term: July 2023-June 2025
WHO I AM
(He/Him) I am a multidisciplinary designer & visual artist.
WHY I’M HERE
While I am very passionate about Art & Design as a discipline, I find helping new creatives develop into the catalysts for deep change in our society as an important step in making the world a better place.
MY GOALS
I would like to help build a stronger community that is recognized to those outside of the creative space.
Qi Guo Programming Chair (Community)
Committee Member AIGA Member since 2019 Term: July 2023-June 2024
WHO I AM
(She/Her) I’m a graphic designer specializing in brand identity. What I love about working from home is that I get to hang out with my cats all the time.
WHY I’M HERE
AIGA provided a lot of helpful resources for me when I was fresh out of college. When I moved to Houston from New York, I realized that AIGA wasn’t as impactful here as it was in NYC within the creative community. So I decided to volunteer to help more people understand what AIGA can do for them professionally.
MY GOALS
I want to help the AIGA Houston chapter gain more recognition by throwing impactful events and meetups for the local creative community. My goal this year is to let more people know who we are, and what we do and how we can help.
Sanders Anderson Programming (DEI) Chair
Committee Member AIGA Member since 2021 Term: July 2023-June 2024
WHO I AM
(He/Him) I’m a father and an outdoor enthusiast. I believe in fighting oppressive policies and speaking truth to power.
WHY I’M HERE
Being involved in AIGA has allowed me to connect with other like-minded professionals and make some important and meaningful contributions.
MY GOALS
I want to bridge the gap with our DEI offerings that will hopefully inspire others to question the status quo and create similarly aspirational programs.
Chris Robinson Programming (DEI) Coordinator
Committee Member Nonmember Term: July 2023-June 2024
WHO I AM
(He/Him) I’m a graphic designer at Houston Public Media. I enjoy sports and cooking.
WHY I’M HERE
AIGA is a beautiful community for creatives to continue to foster lifelong relationships with like-minded people. And bridges the gaps of our industry that at times can feel lonely and static because most of us work behind computers.
MY GOALS
To continue to help the DEI community and the whole org evolve and grow, and introduce other black designers to the organization.
