008: Ashleigh Axios of AIGA DC

She transformed the White House with design—and the DC design community with heart. Ashleigh Axios brings design into democracy as a former Creative Director at the Obama White House, founder of DotGov Design, and longtime AIGA leader. Her journey shows how volunteer leadership can spark systemic impact—across government, community, and conferences turned culture shifts.More about AIGA DC's DotGov: https://dc.aiga.org/dotgovdesign/Key TakeawaysVolunteerism becomes actual leadership – Ashleigh’s first board roles led to designing policy, publications, and civic design systems.Retreats are revelation machines – informal rituals like sunset walks and pool-table dance-offs fuel deep connection.Community can deliver structural change – DotGov Design evolved from local meetups to seeding the US Web Design System.Boards build career skills – Leading volunteers can teach real leadership—from managing teams to purpose-driven strategy.Legacy is not about control – Great leaders plan for what follows—leave a system that evolves without you.Pyramids are alive (and literal) – Whether navigating the bottom or the middle, those human structures embody trust, fun, and design teamwork.Episode Chapters00:19 – Leadership in DesignAshleigh’s journey spans from local roles—programming coordinator and AIGA DC president—to national leadership, including leading the AIGA national board and the national conference.  01:20 – Volunteer to VisionaryShe began by setting up chairs at AIGA DC events in 2009–2010, then quickly moved through branding, programming, sponsorship, conference leadership, and presidency.  03:53 – Retreat RevelationHer first leadership retreat in Salt Lake City (2012) cemented her love for how chapter leaders connect—over ideas and community.  08:58 – Denver Bonding MomentA mix of team walks at Red Rocks Amphitheater and dance-party afterparties revealed how retreat rituals form lifelong trust—and unforgettable memories.  10:17 – Dallas Dive-Bar Dance PartyA surprise night of pool‑table dancing in a dive bar turned into a shared creative celebration—chapter leaders, staff, and board all let loose together.   18:36 – DotGov Design Takes OffAshleigh identified a need to connect government designers across agencies and kicked off an initiative within AIGA DC that grew into a full conference.  22:49 – Birthplace of US Web Design SystemA session at a DotGov conference sparked the first discussions around what became the US Web Design System—the government’s open design system.  25:57 – Leading with Management SkillsHer first people-management role came through AIGA—she supervised a team of 23, proving volunteer leadership can teach real career-ready skills.  29:27 – Succession as Design StrategyAshleigh emphasizes succession planning: leadership means leaving ladder rungs, not climbing alone—and ensuring teams thrive beyond your involvement.  31:02 – Pyramid PositioningFrom bottom to steering-from-the-middle, Ashleigh’s pyramid stories capture both the literal and figurative dynamics of AIGA’s community-building rituals.   About Our GuestAshleigh Axios has shaped how we understand design in both public service and community. As Creative Director in the Obama White House, she architected creative policy communication. As AIGA DC president and National Board President, she founded DotGov Design, elevating government design through community, conferences, and innovation. Today, she advises emerging leaders and drives inclusive civic design initiatives.  FeaturingGuest Ashleigh Axios, 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