I truly live in two worlds. This "two world" concept once posed too much ambiguity for me, as I felt torn as to whom I was. In maturity I have come to find it the source of my power, as I can easily move between these two places and not feel that I have to be one or the other, that I am an Indian in this modern society.

–James Luna (Luiseño)

Mindy Magyar (Mi’kmaq, Sipekne’katik First Nation) is an Associate Professor of Industrial Design at Rochester Institute of Technology. She considers equity and inclusion as imperatives for global citizenship and sustainability. Her critical studio practice explores the cultural narratives of our constructed landscape, providing further insights into her perspective as a Mi’kmaq woman today. In addition to advising graduate Thesis and undergraduate Capstone students, Professor Magyar teaches courses in emotional design, cultural responsibility, and social entrepreneurship at RIT.

Before joining RIT, Mindy was Project and Design Manager for Smithsonian Institution, where she partnered with the Smithsonian museums to develop the Institution’s commercial activities. Projects included Mitsitam Espresso at the National Museum of the American Indian, the Hirshhorn Museum Shop, and both the Sweet Home Café and Museum Shop at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

She began her career as an Applied Research Analyst at JP Morgan Investment Management. After establishing herself in finance through subsequent work in venture capital and international bond sales, Mindy eventually left Wall Street to pursue her passion for design. Yet her commitment to research has never wavered, and she considers it integral not only to product development and client servicing but also self-efficacy.

In addition to an MFA in 3D Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Mindy earned an MBA in Arts and Cultural Management and Entrepreneurship from the Wharton School, and a BS in Chemical Engineering with concentrations in American Indian Studies and Bioengineering from Cornell University. She was a founding faculty member of the MBA/MA Design Leadership Program at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and has served as a Board Member for Creative Startups (Santa Fe, NM) and Friends of Ganondagan (Victor, NY).