Rene Payne is a creative visionary, strategist, and educator bridging history and innovation, using design to inspire change. She is the founder and creative director of included, a design and communications studio dedicated to forging long-term partnerships that advance social, economic, and equitable visions.

A Rhode Island School of Design graduate, Rene broke barriers early in her career, holding senior creative leadership roles at top Boston agencies, where she pioneered culturally inclusive design strategies, including the first such program in retail banking for Fleet Bank. In 2004, she launched Favor, leading high-impact branding and communications for institutions such as Harvard University, The Catered Affair, The Boston Public Library, Jubilee Christian Church, and Egon Zehnder International.

In 2020, Rene founded included to meet the urgent demand for design rooted in strategy, empathy, and impact. Her leadership has guided transformative initiatives, including the Emmett Till Memory Project, Blue Cross Blue Shield RI, Black Press @200, The Biomedical Science Careers Program (BSCP), and the upcoming Moving Masculinity project. Her work combines strategic clarity with creative excellence—crafting solutions that honor history while shaping more equitable futures.

Beyond her practice, Rene is a respected critic in RISD’s Graphic Design department. She has directed groundbreaking projects including RISD’s first institutionally sponsored Black Alumni Reunion and served as one of seven pioneers selected for the inaugural RISD|Womxn@Work series.

The first African American woman inducted into the Rhode Island Design Hall of Fame, Rene is recognized not only for her award-winning design but also for her ability to lead with vision, forge meaningful alliances, and turn bold ideas into lasting impact.