Pioneers in Design – Jill Dineen

Read about all the details of the 2025 Pioneers in Design event!

On May 15, the Northern California design community gathered once again at SF Jazz to celebrate innovation, leadership, and the power of creativity at the 2025 Pioneers in Design event.

This year, we honored Jill Dineen, Executive Director of Leap Arts in Education, whose tireless advocacy and leadership have brought transformative arts experiences to thousands of Bay Area students. Under Jill’s guidance, Leap serves nearly 10,000 public school students annually with a range of visual and performing arts programs, architecture workshops, and its signature Sandcastle Classic—a beloved event that brings together designers, builders, and young minds in a joyful celebration of creativity.

The evening began with a lively hosted reception, as IIDA members, design leaders, educators, and students filled the SF Jazz lobby with conversation and connection. The energy in the room reflected the spirit of the event: warm, collaborative, and inspired by a shared belief in the role of design to make a difference in our communities.

As the program opened, Lunny Lundstrom of Interface was recognized with this year’s Distinguished Achievement Award in honor of his decades-long contributions to sustainable design and inclusive interiors. His remarks set the tone for an evening grounded in purpose and impact.

Taking the stage next, Jill shared her personal and professional journey—moving between stories of her work with Leap and reflections on the essential role of the arts in education and society. A gifted speaker (and a celebrated blues and jazz vocalist in her own right), Jill inspired the audience with her vision for how design and the arts can foster resilience, creativity, and opportunity for all students and even shared her beautiful voice with the audience.

Following a thoughtful Q&A, the evening continued with a celebratory reception where conversations sparked by Jill’s message continued late into the night.