My Journey Through Design, Education, and Social Impact.

By Edwin Kavuma

From Kampala to Pittsburgh, my journey as a designer has been anything but ordinary. I’m Edwin Kavuma, a Ugandan-born creative driven by purpose, resilience,\and a deep passion for graphic design. In May 2025, I graduated from La Roche University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, earning Summa Cum Laude honors. Along the way, I received the Best Design Portfolio Award and Second-Best Capstone recognition; achievements that reflect not only academic success but the story of grit, vision, and growth that brought me here.

From Uganda to La Roche University

The United States has always been a global center for innovation in design, and La Roche University stood out for its commitment to shaping well-rounded, industry-ready creatives. In 2020, before arriving in the U.S.,, I had already founded KDI Design Agency in Uganda with the mission of elevating local design and supporting small businesses.

Starting a design agency in the middle of a pandemic wasn’t easy. Many businesses had cut budgets or shut down completely, but I stayed persistent. I worked with local clients and taught myself design through YouTube and other free online resources. During that time, I had no formal design training, and was simultaneously completing my Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology at Makerere University. Balancing both paths helped me realize that design wasn’t just a passion; it was a calling.

New Beginnings in the United States

When I moved to Pittsburgh in 2022, I joined La Roche University a semester late and didn’t know what to expect. With part of my tuition funded by KDI Design Agency, I knew I had to make every moment count. Thankfully, my classmates welcomed me with open arms. We quickly formed strong bonds and meaningful collaborations, even inviting a few peers to contribute to KDI Design Agency projects.

While I studied, KDI Design Agency grew from a team of three to 13, taking on both creative and operational work. In 2023, my second year as a La Roche student, I was awarded the Founder’s Scholarship- a full-tuition award for students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. That opportunity allowed me and the KDI Design Agency team to launch KDI Fund.

Creating Impact through KDI Fund

Founded in 2023, KDI Fund is a Uganda-based nonprofit that empowers underserved communities through education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, clean water access, and environmental care. Our work is collaborative and inclusive, bringing together local and international partners to implement sustainable solutions. This initiative continues to shape my personal growth and commitment to using design for good.

Leadership and Industry Experience

During my time at La Roche, I served as Director of Commuter Affairs in the Student Government Association and as President of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I also engaged with the local design community through AIGA events and Grapevine, a mentorship initiative started by Pittsburgh-based firms including Landesberg Design, Wall-to-Wall Studios, and Fifth Influence.

Landesberg Design welcomed me into their office during school breaks, providing an environment to learn and grow alongside experienced professionals. I also served as an intern at Ready® Nutrition, where I now work as a Brand and Packaging Designer. This role has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of the fast-paced and competitive U.S. design space.

Recognition and Growth

During my studies, I was honored to receive multiple awards including Best Portfolio and Second-Best Capstone Project.

My capstone project, Travel Wallet, addressed the issue of financial anxiety associated with international travel. I designed a mobile app prototype after four months of research and collaboration with FedEx developers, PNC Bank executives, the La Roche IT team, and the design director at CGI. That project sharpened my UX, teamwork, and research skills.

I was also featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, where I shared how design has transformed my journey and shaped my purpose.

Looking Ahead

Design has given me purpose, a sense of belonging, and a chance to create meaningful impact. The Pittsburgh design community has welcomed me with warmth, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. If my story proves anything, it’s that the path to becoming a designer is rarely linear. What matters most is passion, perseverance, and a willingness to grow.

Featured Articles;

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2025/05/07/la-roche-edwin-kavuma-uganda/stories/202505060090

La Roche University; https://www.laroche.edu/Templates/SpotlightDetail.aspx?id=27917288764

Travel Wallet;

Travel Wallet Figma Prototype;
https://www.figma.com/proto/zkpZex9SNipPmhOmbPd52x/TRAVEL-WALLET-MOCKUPS?page-id=0%3A1&node-id=1-2&p=f&viewport=182%2C-6%2C0.09&t=OQQUOwptk8qTDoTK-1&scaling=scale-down&content-scaling=fixed&starting-point-node-id=1%3A2&show-proto-sidebar=1

Personal Portfolio;

Portfolio Website; https://edwinkavuma.com
Portfolio Flip Book; https://issuu.com/kavumaedwin/docs/edwin_kavuma_s_portfolio

Featured Websites;

KDI Design Agency; https://kdiug.com/

KDI Fund; https://kdifund.org/

Ready Nutrition; https://teamready.com/

Landesberg Design; https://landesbergdesign.com/

Wall-to-Wall; https://www.walltowall.com/