The Graphic Artists Guild board has appointed Treasurer Yanique DaCosta as Interim President. The move follows the resignation of President Liz DiFiore for personal reasons. After discussions with Liz and immediate Past President Lara Kisielewska, Yanique was appointed by a unanimous vote by the National Board, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership. Yanique intends to run for election to the Guild presidency by the member vote scheduled to take place this summer.

The appointment represents a milestone for the Graphic Artists Guild, since Yanique is the first Black President in the Guild’s history. The Guild board has become increasingly diverse through the past several years, in terms of ethnicity, gender identity, and neurodiversity. This is in large part thanks to the efforts by Yanique, who as a Board member promoted the Guild’s resources and messaging of economic empowerment to underrepresented communities. In the Fall, with the support of the Graphic Artists Guild, Yanique was elected to the board of the International Council of Design.

Yanique is the owner and Creative Director of YKMD, a graphic design services company that offers monthly graphic design subscription services for corporate and trade event planners. Since her college years at Florida Atlantic University, she has been a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the historic Black sorority dedicated to the Principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love, and Finer Womanhood. Before her election to the Guild board in 2014, Yanique continued that dedication to service as an advocate for Black designers.

The Graphic Artists Guild board thanks previous president Liz DiFiore for her accomplishments on behalf of the organization. During her term, Liz developed relationships with other professional organizations, increasing the Guild’s community of like-minded artist advocates. She was an ardent advocate for Guild members, speaking frequently to the press and the public on professionalism and current issues. The board will miss her cheerful attitude, her warmth, and her humor and kindness.