007: Elysia Syriac of AIGA Colorado

She turned skateboard art into a force for community and change. Elysia Syriac transformed a modest mentorship experiment—Bordo Bello, a skateboard art auction—into a ten-year legacy of artistic civic impact. From student volunteer to board leader (and national advisory member), she built systems that fundraised $50,000 for designers with disabilities and cultivated creative culture through leadership retreats, human pyramids, and unapologetic joy.Key TakeawaysSometimes creativity starts with a skateboard—Bordo Bello started small and grew into a mentorship, fundraising, and advocacy powerhouse.Cool still funds community—Elysia’s cold calls to design superstars led to unforgettable boards and creative momentum.Artifacts matter—Photography, printed catalogues, and exhibits preserved the energy and legacy of the program.Retreats are leadership labs—Whether at the top of a human pyramid or a bar karaoke mic, community bonds are forged through shared absurdity.Design can heal and empower—Bordo Bello raised resources and skills for underserved designers—and built connection in the process.Legacy is built with systems—Elysia’s board leadership focused on retention, succession, and sustainable impact—not just performance.Episode Chapters01:18 – First spark: Elysia’s start in AIGA came from a student‑run skateboard art show next to her studio, and she instantly volunteered to help create more.  02:00 – Bordo Bello born: She took over Bordo Bello, turn­ing skateboard design into a community-driven mentorship project.  04:42 – Art as democracy: Skateboards became a “democratic canvas” — vector files, LightBrites, robots, and more—from mentorship pairs to design heroes like Debbie Millman and Aaron Draplin.  06:11 – Auction for impact: Boards started at a bargain $50, were curated blindly (so your board might hang next to a design legend), and proceeds were split with VSA.  07:19 – $50K raised: Over her tenure, she helped raise over $50,000 to support design training for people with disabilities.  08:26 – National showcase: Bordo Bello reached new heights with a gallery exhibit at AIGA’s national New York office—a standout honor.  10:22 – Retreat rituals: From pyramid formations in bowling alleys to karaoke nights, retreats became core to connection and leadership identity.  20:07 – Designing unforgettable events: Elysia reflects on how momentum and creativity help craft experiences that linger beyond the moment.  28:07 – Community is everything: She underscores the magic of belonging, shared memories, and why leaving design history undocumented is a missed opportunity.  39:01 – Creativity as commitment: In her words: “Designers hold responsibility for how the world communicates.”  About Our GuestElysia Syriac is a design strategist and experience designer with deep roots in community and operations. As Creative Programs Lead at Amazon Design, she spearheaded Conflux, revamped the Creative Jam model, and led events like Chaircuterie and Bordo Bello—the latter raising over $50,000 for disability mentorship through skateboard art. AIGA Colorado president (2011–13), President’s Council Chair, and national advisory board member, she built systems for succession, board retention, and creative program impact. FeaturingGuest Elysia Syriac, connect on LinkedInHost Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedInHost Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedInSupport the ShowTheme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic OceansProduced by Chapter 2 MediaSubscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updatesSponsored by: Able Made, The Original Off Pitch Soccer Style: shop nowSponsored by: Draplin Design Company, check us out!Sponsored by: The People's Graphic Design Archive: browse, contribute, and research