MISSION
To advance human flourishing and environmental well-being.
EXPERTISE
I am a sustainable development design thinker and facilitator with an interdisciplinary background and extensive experience in developing countries.
As a cultural anthropologist, I bring to the table a deep skill set and appreciation for community-based and human-centered design. But because I also have a background in ecology, I am able to integrate humanistic and scientific thinking in ways that support transdisciplinary collaboration. This is helpful when addressing problems at the interface of social and environmental systems.
I have worn several "hats" (advisor, researcher, and educator -- see below) that collectively inform my hybrid approach to design thinking for social innovation.
As a cultural anthropologist, I bring to the table a deep skill set and appreciation for community-based and human-centered design. But because I also have a background in ecology, I am able to integrate humanistic and scientific thinking in ways that support transdisciplinary collaboration. This is helpful when addressing problems at the interface of social and environmental systems.
I have worn several "hats" (advisor, researcher, and educator -- see below) that collectively inform my hybrid approach to design thinking for social innovation.
A HYBRID APPROACH
Inspired by the "hybrid professional" concept, I created the following visual to illustrate how I integrate and apply my unique suite of skills, knowledge, and experience for social innovation. This application is not done in a vacuum nor in a linear fashion: collaboration, as well as assessment, critical reflection, and learning are essential aspects of this approach.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ADVISOR
Achieve goals, not only targets
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RESEARCHER
Impact the real world
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EDUCATOR
Facilitate empowerment
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WANT TO COLLABORATE?
I was doing design thinking before I knew what it was called. This is my passion and I'm keen to collaborate with those who want to implement a community-based, human-centered design approach for sustainable development based upon empathy and cultural relativism. Please feel welcome to reach out.
"Partnerships for sustainable development are strongest when they are authentically oriented around shared aspirations for a better world -- but connected to tangible and feasible outcomes in real places."
- Mercedes Ward, quoted in U.S.-Pakistan Centers for Advanced Studies in Water Final Report 2014-2019
