Womxn @ Work

banner that reads "Honoring seven exceptional womxn from the R I S D community”

Drawing inspiration from RISD’s pioneering history, Womxn @ Work honors and amplifies the voices of womxn within our campus community—fostering discussion around their experiences as working professionals, creatives and innovators.

2024 program and honorees

In its inaugural year, Womxn @ Work takes the form of a photography exhibit celebrating the spirit, resilience and achievements of seven remarkable RISD community members. Through these evocative portraits, the exhibition captures the diverse tapestry of talent, determination and creativity we find in the modern working world.

By spotlighting these individuals, we pay homage to RISD’s visionary founders. Womxn @ Work is a platform for womxn’s voices and experiences and, through interactive elements and storytelling techniques, an inclusive space for dialogue, reflection and education.

Myung Bender
Myung Bender

RISD/Brown Class of 2024, Design Engineering
student

Jay Davani
Jay Davani

RISD CE Class of 2009, Graphic Design and Photography
Creative Operations Specialist
RISD Marketing & Communications

Karen Harris
Karen Harris

RISD Class of 1986, Illustration
Senior Career Advisor and Internship Manager
RISD Careers

Rene Payne
Rene Payne

RISD Class of 1983, Graphic Design
Critic, Graphic Design department

Siena Smith
Siena Smith

RISD Class of 2018, Textiles
Critic, Textiles department

Watch the 2024 panel discussion

Read our 2024 coverage

presenters and honorees gather at the Fleet Library for a group shot
Seven Womxn of RISD Honored via Inaugural Womxn @ Work Initiative

The honorees discussed the joys and pressures of modern womxnhood during an inspiring panel discussion at the Fleet Library.