Prieto, who earned a bachelor’s degree in product design from ArtCenter in 2012, is founder and director of Blue Horizons at Conservation International. She leads the first design-led innovation studio embedded within an international conservation organization, advancing ocean conservation and sustainability initiatives worldwide.
Tseng, a 1996 industrial design graduate, is president and founder of Platinum Capital PM Inc., a firm focused on revitalizing underutilized commercial and residential properties across California. His career spans entertainment, real estate development and cultural leadership.
“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,” said ArtCenter President Karen Hofmann in the announcement. “They exemplify how design can drive positive change, whether through revitalizing communities or advancing environmental sustainability.”
Board Chairman Michael Warsaw added, “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.”
Prieto previously served as a Global Fellow at IDEO.org and was a founding member of the International Rescue Committee’s innovation unit, working on global crises such as refugee settlement and the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. Her work has included partnerships with IDEO, WildAid and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She has received numerous honors, including a TED Residency in 2018 and 2019, the Lui-Walton Innovators Fellowship in 2023, and ArtCenter’s Young Innovator Alumni Award in 2021. Her work was also exhibited at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in 2018.
“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,” Prieto said. “I am excited to help foster this same sense of purpose and possibility for the next generation of artists and designers.”
Tseng began his career as a technical director in the entertainment industry, contributing to films including “Flubber,” “Deep Rising” and “Rugrats in Paris” while working with Disney, Warner Bros. and Paramount Studios. He later founded Platinum Capital PM Inc., which develops adaptive reuse projects, assisted living communities and housing for nursing professionals and seniors. He also serves in leadership roles with The California Club’s Affinity Classic Car Group and the nonprofit Best of France and Italy.
“Attending ArtCenter transformed my life,” Tseng said. “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.”
Prieto and Tseng join a dedicated group of trustees committed to advancing ArtCenter’s mission to educate, inspire and empower creative and design leadership.
Images of both trustees were released with the announcement. Full biographies are available on ArtCenter’s website.
Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, ArtCenter College of Design offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in industrial design and visual and applied arts. The college is known for its industry partnerships and social impact initiatives and was the first design school to receive Non-Governmental Organization status from the United Nations.
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