Womxn @ Work

a dark-pink poster that reads "Honoring exceptional women 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.

Womxn @ Work

Via photography and storytelling, the second iteration of our Womxn @ Work series celebrates the indomitable spirit, resilience and achievements of individuals who have been profoundly impacted by womxn in the workplace—in craft, in life and beyond.

This year’s honorees are individuals of of our community—regardless of gender identity—whose work has been influenced by womxn and/or womxnhood, whether through professional contributions, creative practices, leadership or volunteerism.

The Womxn @ Work initiative pays homage to RISD’s visionary founders and provides a platform for the impact of womxn to be heard and celebrated. Through interactive elements and storytelling techniques, we create an inclusive space for dialogue, reflection and education.

honorees

Rebecca Henríquez Lazouras

Rebecca Henriquez Lazouras

Executive Assistant and Policy Coordinator
Finance and Administration

Melynda Heying-McMahon

Melynda Heying-McMahon

Associate Director for Housing Operations
Residence Life

Claire Robinson

Claire Robinson

Director, Special Events
Institutional Advancement

Dominique Wright

Dominique Wright

Custodial Supervisor
Facilities Operations

honorees

Myung Bender

RISD/Brown Class of , Design Engineering
student

Jay Davani

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

Karen Harris

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

Pei-Yu Hung

RISD Class of , Industrial Design
Student

Rene Payne

RISD Class of , Graphic Design
Critic, Graphic Design department

Siena Smith

RISD Class of , Textiles
Critic, Textiles department

H Maria Stadanlick

H. Maria Stadanlick

Director, Student Accounts office

Watch the panel discussion

Read our annual coverage

2025 honorees pose for a photo in the Fleet

Womxn Honored at RISD’s Second Annual Womxn @ Work Event

Community members gathered in the Fleet Library at RISD to celebrate pioneering colleagues.

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.