Carmen iris santiago

Co-Founder, Co-Chairperson

Carmen holds a BFA in Graphic Design from Rutgers University. She has used her talents as a Brand Design Consultant to help small start-ups and entrepreneurs find their voice. She believes in using her skills to help create a social impact and has worked with NGOs and socially conscious companies to fulfill their missions.

She has a talent for interdisciplinary art and design and enjoys producing work that is compelling, research-driven, insightful and original. Her commitment to socially impactful work allows for her designs to be relevant, meaningful and educational. She has been recognized by her alma-mater's design department and as a member of the student-veteran community, she answered the call to design the Rutgers Veterans’ challenge coin, minted in 2018.

Carmen is an Army Veteran who she served as field support for service men & women.  She is the daughter of Puerto Rican parents, the mother of one and a first generation New Yorker.  Having spent many Summers on the island, she developed a deep affinity for the people, culture and art of the island.  

While working with nonprofits on the ground and experiencing the lack of resources in Puerto Rico, she committed herself to addressing the issues that affect her homeland. As an entrepreneur and a creative human, she is passionate about helping Puerto Rico thrive and not just survive. Because of this passion, she continues to dedicate her time & her talents in direct service to the vulnerable communities and people that continue to feel the effects of recent natural disasters and other challenges.