Meet this year’s jury:
Ellie Aliabadi
Bose
New York, NY
Ellie is a multidisciplinary creative, her practice spans concept development, design, photography, and video. Guided by empathy and curiosity, she dives deep into audience behavior and brand research to shape culturally relevant work that truly connects.
Ellie thrives in highly collaborative environments and is especially energized by partnering with directors, cinematographers, and stylists—believing there’s nothing quite like a room full of creatives transforming an idea into something meaningful. Her art direction experience includes work for brands such as Audi, Progressive, Carter’s, Jack Daniel’s, Converse, the National Network of Abortion Funds, Uber Eats, Live Nation, and more.
Beyond her full-time role, Ellie freelances with nonprofit organizations advancing social change, helping them build brand strategy, visual identity, and cohesive content systems.
Dan Delli-Colli
The One Two
Denver, CO
Dan weaves strategic and creative thinking into ideas that they’ll never see coming. With over two decades of experience in boutique design studios and agencies of every size, he’s collaborated with inspiring talent who continually push him to explore, learn, and challenge the expected.
Dan’s work has earned recognition across leading award shows and publications, including a sweep of the Colorado Fifty, two placements among AdWeek’s Top 5 campaigns, and the coveted Award of Excellence from Communication Arts. His track record proves that breakthrough work doesn’t require a big client or budget—just a big idea.
Chris Hardy
Of Noble Folk
Montgomery, AL
Chris Hardy is a multidisciplinary designer and creative director whose work centers on culture, storytelling, and social impact. He holds an MFA in Graphic Design from Vermont College of Fine Arts and has created projects for global brands including Red Bull, Apple, American Express, and Sprite. His practice spans visual identity, experiential design, and community-driven initiatives that explore how design shapes belonging and public life.
Past jury members include:
2025
Jeffrey Everett
Rockets are Red
Christin “Loocie” Glover
Talooka Studio
Ellen Kim
GRAPHEK
Beth Rakouskas
Science Magazine
Chris Ross
Cross Creative
2024
Dan Adler
D*MNGOOD
Washington, DC
Kyla Paolucci
Elliucci
Brooklyn, NY
Seth Sirbaugh
Tribe
Frederick, MD
2023
Antonio Alcala
Studio A
Alexandria, VA
Tom Gamertsfelder
Omada Creative
Washington, DC
Lillian Ling
General Design Co.
Washington, DC
David Plunkert
SPUR Studio
Baltimore, MD