We are delighted to announce two exceptional winners of the 2023 “Data is Empowering” design contest: Floralei (Lei) Valdez Bugarin and Candace Cang. Their designs brilliantly capture the essence of data’s impact on our lives and communities. Let’s get to know them better.
About Floralei(Lei) Valdez Bugarin
Meet Floralei, AKA Lei! She is from Hillsboro, Oregon, and currently attends Oregon State University as a 5th year Graphic Design student. Lei, originally planning a career in optometry, found her true calling in graphic design. She’s now on the cusp of graduation and dreams of launching her own design agency.
Design Inspiration
Lei’s design, inspired by her family’s history, celebrates generational empowerment through data, blending elements from various Asian American and NHPI cultures.
Creative Vision and Future Goals
Floralei’s creative process began with sketches of her family, evolving into a design that looks towards the future. She aspires to establish a design agency focused on diversity and culturally sensitive design.
Personal Favorites
Movie: Elemental
Relaxation Spot: Bedroom
Pet Preference: Enjoys the energy of both cats and dogs
Connect with Floralei
Want to order a mug or shirt with Lei’s Design?
Visit the AAPI Data Popup store: aapidata.printify.me/
About Candace Cang
Meet Candace! She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She currently attends Stanford University as a design student and is on track to graduate in 2026. Candace merges her passion for art and community engagement, exploring how design can empower and connect people.
Candace merges her passion for art and community engagement, exploring how design can empower and connect people.
Design Philosophy
Her contest design illustrates the human stories behind data, reflecting her involvement in civic engagement and her vision for empathetic community building.
Creative Approach and Aspirations
Candace’s design process starts with an idea, transforming into a depiction of diverse communities. She’s keen on exploring more in UX/UI and graphic design.
Personal Favorites
Movie: Your Name
Relaxation Spot: Cafes or her room
Pet Preference: Dogs
Connect with Candace
Instagram: @candacecang
LinkedIn: Candace Cang
Want to order a mug or shirt with Candace’s Design?
Visit the AAPI Data Popup store: aapidata.printify.me
Floralei and Candace’s designs showcase their artistic talents and their deep understanding of how data helps shapes understandings of our communities. Their works serve as a reminder of the profound connection between art, data, and community empowerment. We congratulate them on their achievements and look forward to their future contributions to their professions and to our communities.