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Writer's pictureCynthia Hirsch Ortiz, RDI

From the International President

Updated: Jul 27, 2023


Cynthia Hirsch Ortiz, RDI

Season's Greetings Members and Friends of the Retail Design Institute As the 2020 year draws to a close, we are reminded of the tumultuous time that our industry has faced, but also see how much we have to look forward to in 2021. I have been hard at work with the International board-- Vice President Lindsay Henningfeld, RDI, Secretary Lena Lim, Trade RDI, Treasurer Dina Meindl, Allied RDI, and Chairman Ray Ehscheid, RDI -- on improving member benefits. Our dues fees continue to be waived until May 31, 2021 in an effort to help connect members of the industry who have been facing hard times due to the ongoing pandemic. Our membership is growing rapidly and we sincerely hope that our efforts to provide added value to your membership continue to enhance your experience.


Congrats to Our New Chapter Officers! I would like to congratulate all new Chapter leaders as they look to serve and bring great content, thought leadership and networking to their local retail design communities. If you are interested in helping your local Chapter or possibly joining the board, you can reach out directly to your local executive board members or you can email me and I will make the connection.


What’s New with the Retail Design Institute? The pandemic has forced our industry to look for new ways to connect with our members and through Zoom, we have been able to get back to holding events and providing our members with the networking they are craving. We now have the ability to easily join all of our Chapters for their events, expanding our networks exponentially.

  • Retail Design Institute International will be hosting some key online presentations, which is a new endeavor that will continue even as we eventually get back to in person events.

  • With the realization of the devastation and loss of jobs within the industry, we have formed a committee to put on online events focused on best practices in the job search including resume writing and portfolio musts specifically geared towards the retail industry. The committee includes: Barbara Beeghly, RDI, Catherine Messina, RDI, Genevieve Davis, RDI and Margot Jacqz, Allied RDI, along with me, Lena and Lindsay.

  • Also, many of our members are not aware of the resources our website has to offer. We have a robust job board with positions open for Dollar Tree, Blaze Pizza, Showfields and more! View listings here.

  • Are you passionate about our industry and the helping the young professionals develop their skills? Reach out to find out about our new mentoring program.

  • We will also be partnering with our trade members to offer CEU credits through online webinars. If you are a member who can offer CEU credits, please email me to discuss upcoming opportunities.


Cynthia Hirsch, RDI International President Retail Design Institute

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