Rhode Island School of Design

Ginnie Dunleavy

Ginnie Dunleavy brings over three decades of leadership experience in higher education and the food industry. Since 2015, she has served as Executive Director of Auxiliary Services at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Dunleavy holds a Master’s Degree from Roger Williams University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Her career includes key roles at Brown University and RISD in dining and retail services.

Cultivating A Culture Of Sustainability And Creative Excellence

At RISD, I oversee a range of operations that support nearly 3,000 students enrolled in specialized art and design programs. My team manages self-operated dining services, in-house vending, catering, and two distinct art supply stores—one focused on two-dimensional materials and the other resembling a hardware store for three[1]dimensional needs. Additionally, we oversee conference and event services, including Tillinghast Place, a scenic bayside property hosting weddings, events, and an Airbnb.

 Beyond events, I manage Mail and Receiving Services and RISD Bucks, our discretionary spending program. Sustainability is central to our operations, reflecting RISD’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship. A notable initiative is The Flips Program, which encourages students to recycle and exchange clothing, reducing waste and promoting reuse.

"Sometimes, fostering curiosity requires effort, but it always pays off in unexpected and rewarding ways."

Building on this sustainability ethos, my team also manages the Furniture Reuse Program and the Second Life Exchange. This initiative, transitioned from Student Life to Auxiliary Services, collects art supplies left behind at the end of the academic year. These supplies are made available in a location central to campus, fostering a culture of reuse. Students are encouraged to return leftover materials once their projects are complete.

This year, we’ve distributed more art supplies than ever, providing essential resources to students with limited means. Laney Knudson, a Brown|RISD Dual Degree graduate, leads the Second Life Exchange. Their fresh  perspective has shaped the program, which includes workshops like sketchbook-making in partnership with a student-influenced café. These efforts have sparked broader conversations about sustainability on college campuses, demonstrating how small changes can significantly reduce environmental impact while building a supportive community.

Turning Waste Into Opportunity

 The Flips Program began in 2016 as a simple initiative to collect items left behind by students—such as clothing, mirrors, and lamps—for donation to local charities and international students. Over time, it grew into a larger program that raises funds for scholarships through sales of these collected items.

The program’s goals are twofold: reducing landfill waste and providing affordable resources for students. The process involves collecting, sorting, and preparing items for a vibrant summer sale. The sale not only offers low-cost goods but also fosters a strong sense of community. Its success lies in its ability to connect students, staff, and faculty through shared sustainability efforts. What started as a small initiative has become a cherished tradition, addressing both environmental and financial challenges on campus.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Building on the success of Flips, we introduced the Second Life Exchange for Art Supplies, led by Laney. They have brought new ideas to the program, including organizing trips to local reuse centers, providing students with access to affordable materials and opportunities to connect with each other.

Laney is also collecting data on the quantity and types of items we gather to quantify the program’s impact on students and the environment. While these efforts may seem modest, their cumulative effects are significant. Over time, the growing numbers highlight the program’s value, proving that even small, consistent efforts can lead to meaningful change.

The Hidden Hurdles of Sustainability One of the biggest challenges we face is the reliance on volunteers. Much of the work—collection, organization, and preparation—depends on individuals generously contributing their time. With many people juggling multiple roles, especially post-pandemic, maintaining a consistent volunteer base is difficult.

This lack of dedicated staff poses a risk to the sustainability of our initiatives. While these programs have thrived so far, securing sufficient staffing to sustain them remains an ongoing challenge.

The Power Of Curiosity

In my career, I’ve learned that staying curious and saying yes to opportunities often leads to the most rewarding outcomes. When I first proposed an idea to a colleague, we agreed to give it a try— and that willingness to experiment made all the difference.

Starting small and growing methodically has been invaluable. Taking manageable steps allows you to build something sustainable and impactful over time. This approach has shaped much of my career, driven by a curiosity to explore possibilities, help others, and understand new perspectives.

Curiosity has been a guiding force—whether wondering if a new initiative could benefit someone or noticing a challenge and asking how I might contribute. Sometimes, fostering curiosity requires effort, but it always pays off in unexpected and rewarding ways.