Joe Tseng and Mariana Prieto (Photos – ArtCenter)
ArtCenter College of Design is excited to announce the appointment of two alumni to its Board of Trustees: Mariana Prieto (BS 12 Product Design) and Joe Tseng (BS 96 Industrial Design). Both began their service this past summer, bringing bringing extensive experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, and design leadership.
By News Desk
President Karen Hofmann expressed her enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating, “Mariana and Joe began their career journeys as students at ArtCenter, and now, in a full-circle moment, we couldn’t be happier to have them on the Board of Trustees. They exemplify how design can drive positive change, whether through revitalizing communities or advancing environmental sustainability. Their creativity, leadership, and diverse perspectives will help shape ArtCenter’s next chapter as we move toward our 100th anniversary in 2030.”
Mariana Prieto
Mariana Prieto is the founder and director of Blue Horizons at Conservation International, where she leads the first design-led innovation studio embedded within a global conservation organization. Prieto’s work focuses on advancing ocean conservation and sustainability initiatives worldwide. Reflecting on her ArtCenter experience, she said, “My ArtCenter education taught me to create with purpose and empowered me to see how design can be used to make a lasting impact on our world. I am excited to help foster this same sense of purpose and possibility for the next generation of artists and designers.”
Prieto’s career spans multiple global organizations, including IDEO, WildAid, and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous accolades, including a TED Residency, the Lui-Walton Innovators Fellowship, and ArtCenter’s Young Innovator Alumni Award.
Joe Tseng
Joe Tseng, president and founder of Platinum Capital PM Inc., brings a multidisciplinary entrepreneurial background to the Board. His career has spanned design, entertainment, real estate development, and cultural leadership. Tseng’s projects focus on revitalizing underutilized properties across California, including adaptive reuse developments and housing for nursing professionals and seniors. Reflecting on his transformative time at ArtCenter, Tseng shared, “Attending ArtCenter transformed my life. It taught me that design transcends mere form and function, encompassing vision and purpose. I am profoundly grateful to contribute back to the community that guided me in discovering my path and to play a part in shaping its future.”
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Michael Warsaw, also praised the new trustees: “We are honored to have Mariana and Joe join the board. They embody the spirit of ArtCenter as creative leaders who use design to inspire innovation, foster sustainability, and improve lives. Their experience and insights will be very valuable as we work together to advance the College’s mission and global reputation.”
Both Prieto and Tseng are excited to give back to the institution that helped shape their careers and help contribute to ArtCenter’s ongoing growth.
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