Riley graduated from Virginia Tech in 2025 with her BFA in Graphic Design and minor in Advertising, and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary. Alongside her studies, she runs Riley Kaufman Creative Co., a design studio dedicated to helping small businesses and nonprofits tell their stories visually.

During her time with NSF COMPASS, Riley served as a Graphic Design and Communications Intern, creating visuals and crafting social media content for the program. The experience sharpened her ability to translate complex, multilevel scientific concepts into clear, accessible visuals–a skill she brings to every client she serves today.