Jefferson Visual Communication Design

A small, diverse group of students can drive big change, and this year’s Justice Alliance for Design Education (JADE) Fellows are proving just that.

Last week, we heard from six remarkable undergraduate design students from across Philadelphia as they presented capstone ideas developed through their summer fellowship experience. Their thoughtful proposals were deeply rooted in personal experience, offering fresh perspectives on design and meaningful ways to support others. It was inspiring to witness.

We’re especially proud to celebrate three Jefferson fellows:

✨ Senior Deanna Brown, Graphic Design & Visual Communication — Deanna Brown

✨ Junior Nate Fireall, Graphic Design & Visual Communication — Nate Fireall

✨ Andre Pacheco, Architecture

Organized by DesignPhiladelphia in partnership with local colleges and universities, the JADE Fellowship provides each student with a $10,000 award, professional development opportunities, and connections with design leaders and firm founders throughout Philadelphia and beyond.

Through joyful learning, collaboration, and advocacy, the fellows are growing as leaders while helping build a more inclusive and equitable design community.

Congratulations to Deanna, Nate, Andre, and the entire cohort of JADE Fellows! Thank you to JADE and DesignPhiladelphia for creating this transformative experience and investing in the next generation of design leaders.

Jefferson CADE DesignPhiladelphia Thomas Jefferson University

Brand identities, built block by block.

This past fall, students GRAPH 301: Intro to Branding studio teamed up with Germantown United CDC to design new branding for small businesses and food entrepreneurs in Germantown.

Featured work: Deanna Brown (Jerk Squad), Yadira Villa (Maplewood Mall), Jocelyn Williams (Philadelphia Vision Center) — plus a look at the neighborhood tour with GUCDC’s Matthew George that grounded it all.

Real businesses. Real stories. Real design. Read more about the project link in bio 🔗

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It was a beautiful day to celebrate the accomplishments of our incredible VCD students. Congratulations!! Excited to see what’s next.
🍾🙌🫶👏

Meet Senior Sophia Toto

Last week, Sophia presents Tempo — a wellness and task management app designed to help college students reduce stress and build healthier sleep habits.

“Tempo helps students structure their time, stay on top of assignments, and reduce procrastination—creating a healthier balance between productivity, stress, and quality sleep. Grounded in research around sleep deprivation and student well-being, the project explores how thoughtful digital tools can support healthier routines, stronger time management, and improved daily functioning.”

🔗 Explore more: stotodesigns.com

Meet Senior Maggie Zeng

Last week, Maggie presents Out of Office — a platform designed to help young adults build more meaningful, in-person relationships.

“With many young adults feeling connected digitally but disconnected socially, Out of Office creates opportunities for face-to-face interaction through shared interests and real-world experiences. Grounded in research around social fragmentation and mental well-being, the project rethinks how technology can support deeper human connection rather than replace it.”

Maggie is a designer focused on creating meaningful, user-centered digital experiences that blend visual storytelling with intuitive functionality. Outside of design, you can find her café hopping or hiking.

“Great design isn’t found on a screen; it’s gathered on the trail.”

🔗 Explore more: maggiezengdesign.com

Meet Senior Aliya Griffin

Today, Aliya presents PAWWATCH — a community-powered app designed to reunite lost pets with their families faster.

“Paw Watch connects neighbors in real time, allowing users to share alerts, report sightings, and mobilize local volunteers—turning communities into active search networks.”

By combining instant communication with collective action, the app transforms a stressful, often isolating experience into one rooted in support, visibility, and shared responsibility.

Aliya is a designer driven by curiosity, constantly exploring beyond traditional boundaries. She experiments across mediums, blending design with storytelling, video, and unexpected influences.
“I like building things, breaking them, improving them—and having fun while doing it.”

Outside of design, she’s inspired by travel, forensic science, and finding ways to make everyday moments more interesting.

🔗 Explore more: agcreative.design

Meet Senior Sam VandenHeuvel Reed

Today, Sam presents Alere — a meal planning app designed to reduce the everyday stress of deciding what to eat.

Alere simplifies planning, shopping, and daily decisions—helping families stay consistent, save money, and make better food choices over time. Rather than focusing on calorie tracking, the app prioritizes clarity and ease—supporting real routines and reducing friction in everyday life.

Sam is a UX/UI designer focused on making complex systems feel simple, intuitive, and human—translating complexity into clear, approachable experiences.

🔗 Explore more: samdvanden.com

Meet Senior Olivia Kriley

Today, Olivia presents Park in a Truck — an initiative that empowers communities to transform underutilized spaces into accessible public parks.

“Park in a Truck provides a toolkit for communities to build their own parks, expanding access while supporting new and existing relationships.” By extending the design system, the project strengthens usability, accessibility, and community engagement—positioning design as a tool for real-world impact.

Olivia is a designer interested in how visual communication can serve as an intervention for positive change.
“A lot of good can be done when the work you do is created with purpose.”

Outside of design, she enjoys baking, spending time outdoors, and stepping away from the screen to recharge and find inspiration.

💬 Advice for future designers:
“Trust yourself. Follow what feels right—you never know what opportunities will come if you don’t try.”

🔗 Explore more: oliviakriley.xyz

Meet Senior Anna Leonard

Today, Anna presents The Good Dog Collective — a system designed to better prepare dog adopters for the realities of ownership.

“The Good Dog Collective supports adopters through education, guided planning, and ongoing resources—helping them navigate uncertainty before challenges escalate.” Grounded in empathy and real-life scenarios, the project reframes adoption as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time event, supporting stronger relationships between dogs and their owners.

Anna is a visual communicator, UX/UI designer, and illustrator who creates bold, engaging work grounded in thoughtful user experience. Her practice is driven by curiosity, continuous learning, and a desire to create work that is both meaningful and impactful.

🔗 Explore more: annajleonard.com

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Meet Senior Roman Reed

Today, Roman presents INTRA — Within the Game, a platform rethinking how teams stay connected.

“INTRA brings schedules, workouts, practice plans, and team communication into one place—so nothing gets lost, repeated, or overlooked.” Designed for real team dynamics, the platform focuses on clarity, accountability, and seamless coordination between coaches and athletes.

Outside of design, Roman stays close to what inspires the work: sports, gaming, and time with friends and family.
“My goal is to enjoy every part of the journey.”

🔗 Explore more: romanreed-design.com

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