Meet the 2023 judges

Our 2023 Ideas that Matter judges know good design—it’s what helped get them to where they are today. Now, this independent panel of accomplished design industry leaders is up for the difficult task of choosing this year’s winners based on potential effectiveness, plan for implementation and, of course, creativity. Read on to meet the panel and learn more about their achievements.

Brandi Parker
Founder and Brand-Level Sustainability Consultant of Parker Brands

Brandi Parker offers innovative problem-solving, dot-connecting and a multidisciplinary approach to sustainability. Having gone through the agency world and the technical side of design and packaging the last twenty years, she has holistic experience and expertise in bringing brands and companies to life. Read full bio

Brandi Parker
Founder and Brand-Level Sustainability Consultant of Parker Brands

Brandi Parker offers innovative problem-solving, dot-connecting and a multidisciplinary approach to sustainability. Having gone through the agency world and the technical side of design and packaging the last twenty years, she has holistic experience and expertise in bringing brands and companies to life. Read full bio

Eric Benson
Co-founder of Re-nourish and Associate Professor of Graphic Design and Design for Responsible Innovation, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Eric Benson was born in Arizona and raised in Mid-Michigan where he later received his BFA in graphic and industrial design from the University of Michigan in 1998. Read full bio

Eric Benson
Co-founder of Re-nourish and Associate Professor of Graphic Design and Design for Responsible Innovation, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Eric Benson was born in Arizona and raised in Mid-Michigan where he later received his BFA in graphic and industrial design from the University of Michigan in 1998. Read full bio

Liz Rose Chmela
Founder and Creative Director, Made by We

Liz Rose Chmela is the Founder and Creative Director of Made by We, a digital agency rooted in collaboration. She leads her team in providing strategic branding, design, and development in partnership with clients and causes she believes in. Read full bio

Liz Rose Chmela
Founder and Creative Director, Made by We

Liz Rose Chmela is the Founder and Creative Director of Made by We, a digital agency rooted in collaboration. She leads her team in providing strategic branding, design, and development in partnership with clients and causes she believes in. Read full bio

Jennifer Rittner
Founder, Content Matters

Jennifer Rittner is a writer, educator and communications strategist currently serving as Assistant Professor of Strategic Design and Management at Parsons School of Design. Read full bio

Jennifer Rittner
Founder, Content Matters

Jennifer Rittner is a writer, educator and communications strategist currently serving as Assistant Professor of Strategic Design and Management at Parsons School of Design. Read full bio