What makes a visionary? It’s more than seeing what others can’t. It’s having the audacity to bring that vision to life.

The nine changemakers featured in this issue didn’t just dream differently; they defied convention, rewrote rules, and transformed industries. From revolutionizing sustainable textiles to reimagining a more inclusive future for entertainment, each has left an indelible mark on their field. But perhaps more important, they’ve shown us what’s possible when creativity meets conviction.

Their stories are as diverse as they are inspiring. A landscape designer who turns urban wastelands into thriving ecosystems. A textile innovator who’s making fashion more sustainable, one fiber at a time. A toy designer who thinks way outside of the box. 

To capture their unconventional spirit, we commissioned faculty member Carlos Aponte, Illustration MFA ’21, BFA ’17, to create their portraits. His interpretations don’t just show us their faces—they reveal their essence as innovators and changemakers.

The art at the top of this page, created by Daniel “Attaboy” Seifert, Toy Design ’96, embodies this spirit of boundless possibility. The image suspends us between falling and flying—much like the moment when a bold idea takes flight. Attaboy has also designed a whimsical traveling companion for this issue. Take Huebert with you, snap a photo wherever you find yourself, and share it on Instagram with #WheresHuebert. Selected photos will be featured in our online gallery.

While this issue celebrates many remarkable stories, we know there are countless more being written every day by our alumni. Because being a visionary isn’t about holding a particular title or achieving a specific milestone—it’s about approaching each challenge with curiosity, courage, and an unwavering belief that better is possible.