Announcing our 2018-2019 Interior Design Student Ambassadors
November 16, 2018 | Awards & Recognition
Student Ambassadors are current Design Institute of San Diego interior design students who are self-motivated leaders, eager to represent DI to the general public and represent the voice of the DI student body. They are an elite group of individuals who are enthusiastic about DI and are willing to engage in and promote our on and off campus activities. We’re excited to announce that we have a fresh, new group of Student Ambassadors on board who are ready to share their passion for DI and interior design with the world. Meet the new talented squad below:
Kelly McWhorter
Where are you in the program? I am in my third year, second semester in the Fast Track program.
Why did you want to become a Student Ambassador? I think it is important for current and prospective students to see who attends DI, the projects they are working on, and what extra-curricular events are going on. Networking with other DI students has been crucial to my success and led to my current position at a local design firm. I want other students to have the same opportunities!
What are some of your hobbies? I love to run, hike, and do yoga. Anything outside and active. I also take any chance I get to travel.
What is your favorite aspect of interior design? I love how each client or project is completely unique and a different challenge. I love being able to combine my creative and project management sides.
What do you love most about DISD? Where do I START? I love that from day one I felt like I joined a big family whose number one goal is making my success. I love knowing that the program is designed to give me every skill I need to take on a new profession. DI doesn’t just award a degree; it gives you a career.
Renee Candelario
Where are you in the program? 2nd year
Why did you want to become a Student Ambassador? I wanted to become a Student Ambassador so I can share my journey and love for interior design with prospective students who want more information and support on their transition to becoming an interior designer.
What are some of your hobbies? My hobbies include: Graphic Design, Photography, Hiking, Painting, Drawing, and Creating Art Pieces out of various media
What is your favorite aspect of interior design? My favorite aspect of interior design is the constant flow of new design ideas and trends which inspire creativity and influences me to think outside of the box.
What do you love most about DISD? What I love most about DI is the amount of individual support given to students by staff and faculty and the friendships established among students who share your same passion.
Francesa DiVentra
Where are you in the program? I am in my second year because of transfer credits, but I am still taking some first-year classes.
Why did you want to become a Student Ambassador? I wanted to become a Student Ambassador because I want to be as involved in the school as possible. I think this school is an amazing place to learn and would love to have the chance to represent it and show people why DI is the perfect place to learn about interior design. The field of Interior Design is something I want to take an active part in as well and I believe being an ambassador at DI is the perfect place to do so.
What are some of your hobbies? Some of my hobbies include reading, cooking, singing, being with family and friends, watching design shows, and practicing my design skills.
What is your favorite aspect of interior design? My favorite aspect of interior design is being able to creatively come up with solutions to problems and being able to communicate them through the use of beautiful renderings and boards.
What do you love most about DISD? There are many different aspects that drew me to DISD. One of my favorite things about DI is its size. I love knowing most of the students I go to school with and seeing them progress throughout the semesters as well as the personal time we get with each of the instructors. I also really admire that the instructors have professional experience and give us insight into the careers we are all working towards. I love that the DI community as a whole is kind, inspirational, and talented.
Angie Maldonado
Where are you in the program? 3rd Year, 2nd Semester
Why did you want to become a Student Ambassador? I actually had no idea what a student ambassador was when I first received the email however, the topic title caught my attention. It asked, “are you a leader?” and I immediately felt drawn to the idea of being able to lead people just as I had in the Marine Corps. Whether that meant: 1) assisting newer students and providing all the tips and tricks that I created along the way of my time at DI to make my life easier 2) to be a liaison between the voice of the student body and the faculty or 3) to just be a friendly and familiar face that people can depend on.
What are some of your hobbies? Aside from raising my little girl, I have a ton of hobbies, all which make me feel the most like myself. Basically the things that isn’t a mom duty, a student discipline or in being of service to anyone but to myself. Dancing and Singing, to get in touch with my Latin roots. Reading and Writing, to get in touch with my intellect and scholarly side. Talking to strangers, making people laugh, and listening to someone speak about their passions and watching them come to life, those are some of my favorite things in life.
What is your favorite aspect of interior design? My favorite aspect of interior design is most definitely the technical, psychological, and the interdisciplinary workings of this field. I am amazed at how we as humans can create spaces that heal, awaken, nurture, enliven and even seclude humanity. It is powerful and necessary. It is an honor to be a part of that.
What do you love most about DISD? My favorite thing about DI has to be the people I have met. From professors, to my fellow classmates, guest speakers, and even some of the local business owners that show us so much support. It feels like a home away from home, a family that completely understands the life you live.
Kathleen Quiroz
Where are you in the program? 3rd year, 2nd semester
Why did you want to become a Student Ambassador? I love this school! I love the idea of being able to share my experiences and love for DI with those searching for a new student home.
What are some of your hobbies? Latin dancing, running (when I have time, it’s been a WHILE, lol!), anything artistic, spending time with my hubby and pup!
What is your favorite aspect of interior design? There isn’t much I don’t like about interior design. My goal is to go into Hospitality Design because it will give me the opportunity to be a part of all types of design. I want to do it all! Restaurants, bars, guest rooms, I love creating an experience!
What do you love most about DISD? Everything! I love that we have industry professionals for teachers, that the school specializes in interior design rather than numerous concentrations, the students and the staff are all great!
Ana Morales
Where are you in the program? I am in my 3rd year 1st semester in my program at DISD.
Why did you want to become a Student Ambassador? I wanted to become a student ambassador because I would like to be able to help and guide new students and provide a friendly face, as well as some inside tips on classes here at DI.
What are some of your hobbies? Making time for other hobbies is important for me as well, I love to dance and it also works as a great workout. I make time to attend social media events out of the city and travel around the country. I also enjoy any outdoor adventure I can get my hands on, and love to bring my little Australian Shepherd sidekick Malibu.
What is your favorite aspect of interior design? My favorite aspect of interior design would have to be the rush of emotions I am able to give others by having them step into a space. I feel that when people see your design as more than just nice colors or patterns it gives me a real sense of accomplishment and excitement.
What do you love most about DISD? What I love most about DI is the way each class pushes students to the limit. Each time I am impressed with myself with how much I can truly accomplish with the guidance of my instructors. Taking classes here has helped me develop great habits and a lot of responsibility.
Clara Zepeda
Where are you in the program? I am in my 3rd year 2nd semester.
Why did you want to become a Student Ambassador? I wanted to be able to represent DI and spread the word to others about what an amazing interior design program is offered at the school. I also wanted to be able to connect with more of my fellow classmates and encourage them to become involved with school activities.
What are some of your hobbies? I really enjoy doing CrossFit when I can squeeze it into my schedule.
What is your favorite aspect of interior design? I really love that through interior design you have the power to completely transform a space and affect the way that people feel while they are in that space.
What do you love most about DISD? I love that there are so many talented students and teachers at DI that share the same passion.