A blue, gray, and white graphic with headshots of the two speakers, Ryan Hitzel and Jess White.

IGNITING CHANGE

Join us for an in-person gathering as we reconnect with industry and create new conversations surrounding design, lifestyle / action sports, and innovation.

About

Join us for an in-person gathering as we reconnect with industry and create new conversations surrounding design, lifestyle / action sports, and innovation.

Design, Fashion, Innovation

The Graphic Design + Digital Media department of LCAD (Laguna College of Art + Design), in partnership with Group Y, welcomes Ryan Hitzel of Roark and Jesse White of Whitespace to share their stories and creative history with you.

Speakers

Ryan Hitzel – CEO & Founder, Roark
Jesse White – Creative, Whitespace

Tickets

$35 – Event access to the talk, networking, and apps/drinks ($40 at the door) *Special rates available to Companies who bring 5 employees or more **LCAD Students & Alumni – email communications@lcad.edu for special promo code

Time

6:30pm Check In, Networking, Apps & Drinks, LCAD student exhibits
7:15pm – 8:45pm Intro & Speakers
8:45pm – 9:30pm Follow up Networking & Drinks
* Times are Pacific Standard Time (PST) / Subject to change

About Our Speakers

Ryan Hitzel is the Founder and CEO of the adventure lifestyle brand, Roark. The fast-growing and critically acclaimed apparel company is distributed globally – building gear for the road less traveled with purpose and style in mind. The collections are inspired by far-flung destinations with a focus on culture and gear that meets the demands of rigorous adventure. Rooted in travel and surf, the chase for a character named Roark began in 2011 and has culminated with the 2022 release of a pictorial guide to the world entitled “Roaming,” published by Rizzoli.

Before founding Roark, Ryan began his career as a graphic designer in Action Sports apparel before moving into Advertising as an Art Director. During his time at Deutsch LA as a Creative Director, he worked on many high-profile campaigns winning awards for his work on brands like Volkswagen.

Ryan has drawn much of his inspiration from adventurism, fine art, global culture, and the many places he finds himself in between chasing waves – often off the beaten path. The stories of wanderlust passed on to him in the sand as a kid remain the impetus of the hunt for Mr. Roark. Today, Ryan resides in his hometown of Laguna Beach with his wife Dianne, son Henry and daughter Claire.

Jesse White is a creative director with diverse experience and a track record of success. His unique skillset- product design, advertising, and marketing – was honed over a long-standing career as the brand manager for Olympic snowboarder Shaun White. Previous partners include Target, Oakley, Ubisoft gaming, and Burton Snowboards. Jesse recently launched Whitespace Snowboards, Shaun’s namesake brand, reigniting their longstanding and successful partnership. As a snowboard, outerwear, and accessories brand, Whitespace is focused on developing best-in-class products while driving broader awareness of the positive physical and mental aspects of the sports.