Iyari Heredia Zenteno (pronouns: He/him or She/her)

Is a non-binary Latinx designer born in La Mesa, California, and raised in Tecate, Baja California Norte, México. The name Iyari, meaning “heart” in Huichol, reflects the core of their design philosophy. Iyari’s work centers on connection, healing, and enjoyment.

Iyari is deeply grateful for her education, while attending Cuyamaca Community College, Iyari earned two associate degrees, including one in graphic design. At the time, the program did not offer a portfolio course. In their final year (2018), Iyari took initiative by organizing a portfolio review, personally reaching out via Behance and phone calls to invite three creatives, two designers and one photographer to mentor students. One of these designers was Michael Fugoso, then a professor at Platt College.

While working as an aide in an after-school program at Franklin Elementary School in San Diego, Iyari met a sixth-grade student who loved drawing but felt that becoming an artist was not a viable option. Her parents hoped she would join the military after high school to secure stability and benefits. When the student shared that she didn’t own any art supplies, Iyari gifted her a portfolio case, sketchbook, and drawing pencils before she graduated, hoping to encourage her to keep creating and never give up on her dream.

Iyari believes deeply in education and in the power of students as the next generation of designers and artists always paying it forward.