Co-designer and planet-centered thinker.

Humanity is facing increasing global inequity and unprecedented climate challenges, with underserved populations being the first to suffer the negative consequences.  

Our government and large corporations are using the same ideation methods that led them to proliferate these issues to now try and create solutions.  Especially now in our post-pandemic world, we as a society cannot keep going about "business as usual".

In order to create a better future, we need to put power in the hands of those that are frequently shoved aside, and follow their lead as they share their insights about how to create this positive future.

Co-design

There are so many studies and initiatives being conducted to improve the lives of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) in America, but yet nothing gets changed. 

This is because solutions created for improving the lives of marginalized communities are coming from people who are disconnected from the heart and soul of the communities.

When trying to tackle deep rooted problems affecting marginalized people, the expertise should come from the lived experience of those people.  Solutions to solving these problems should not be created by designers who have spent a couple months researching a community, but rather, designers should listen and amplify the ideas coming from people in the community who know their people inside and out.  

Practicing Co-design methods is the best way to tackle systemic problems.  Co-design is a form of human-centered design that goes beyond just researching an intended community. Designers, rather than being the idea generators, enable members of the community to generate ideas and turn their passions into reality.

When trying to help an underserved community that has experienced generations of systemic oppression, it is a common practice for leaders or outside organizations to analyze the affected communities and approach the change from a deficit mindset.  While it is true that communities have certain needs that should be addressed, constantly describing a community by what they do not have is mentally and emotionally damaging.   

Asset Based Community Development enables communities to harness and boost the power and capacity that already exists amongst their members to address the needs they are experiencing. 

Creating connections between individuals, community groups, and large institutions will generate a flow of resources and knowledge that can solve community problems from within, rather than relying solely on outside help.  This ensures that solutions for problems are created OF, BY, and FOR the community.  Also, this will strengthen the sense of community that members experience, building trust and relationships where there once was estrangement and skepticism.