Strategist.
Project manager.
Writer.
Design Thinker.
I believe that quality
research and good communication are the keys to success no matter what challenge you face.
I am driven by the belief that design has the power to spark social change when it is human centered, civically minded, and community engaged. In my experience those living the challenge have the best ideas for the solution – so my approach is always to ask them. This idea grounds my commitment to research. Research is my starting point whether the project is internal to an organization or a compelling marketing campaign.
I came to understand the power of design from my background in Environmental and International Studies. After double majoring in both, I moved to New York City to pursue a masters in International Development. From only a few months at the United Nations, I quickly realized that my passion and talents would be better utilized in something a little less conventional. I decided to shift my professional trajectory and in doing so found design for social impact as a creative approach to challenging the environmental and social problems that had been the focus of my academic career.
So while mine might not seem like the "typical" path into design and strategy (though really what’s typical anymore?), it has proven over and over to be a great fit. My systems thinking approach was developed from my environmental science background and my ability to evaluate the impact of actions comes from international development. These skills are incredibly useful when you are helping organizations solve problems.
What I have to admit is that I love learning. I am always looking for new challenges. This makes me very comfortable in environments where the work is project-based, start-up pace, or I'm asked to wear many hats.