Independent

Social Design and Innovation Consultant | 2022 - present

• Consult with private and public organizations guiding them in policy and good practices development concerning gender equality, circular economy, and social inclusion, through research-informed insights.

• Led social innovation and design research initiatives across the Global South, focusing on marginalized communities, gender equality, and sustainable development.

• Developed 12 educational programs in creative industries, UX design, and digital media for future professionals in Nairobi.

• Applied a broad range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to research topics including circular economy, digital media industry needs, and technologies for gender equality.

• Guided small businesses and cultural projects in developing products and services aligned with user needs and funding opportunities.

• Authored and published academic articles on UX, participatory design, and foresight practices.

• Served on the governance group of Next Generation Foresight Practitioners.

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Koç University :

Graduate researcher and teaching assistant | 2018 - 2022

• Planned and conducted research activities of an international research project on circular economy and the maker movement applying codesign approaches.

• Led research activities related to migration and social inclusion in the MENA region by applying participatory design and futures approaches.

• Developed and implemented generative and explorative research methodologies, utilizing data analysis to support findings and recommendations.

• Facilitated participatory, collaborative and futures oriented intercultural workshops.

• Authored research reports and academic papers presented at international conferences.

• Assisted in eleven courses related to design and technology at undergraduate and graduate levels and designed and taught courses on gender equality and technology.

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Socialab :

Innova La Reina Project Coordinator | 2018 

• Coordinated a community-driven social innovation project in collaboration with La Reina Municipality to support local entrepreneurs.

• Conducted an open call for social businesses, generating over 100 applications, and developed a training program for selected ventures.

• Engaged the local community through an open participation process focused on empowering district residents to actively shape the vision for their community.

• Organized a public Pitch Day to allocate funding to social businesses.

NGO Odisea

President - Research and Development Manager | 2016 – 2018

• Established a social enterprise focused on empowering youth as agents of social change through educational programs and design research methodologies.

• Conducted social innovation research in educational settings and developed the Odisea methodology for fostering innovation among youth.

• Facilitated workshops and focus groups and led users interviews and testings.

• Secured over $70,000 in funding for the enterprise and presented at national and international events.

• Led the team and participated in networking activities with relevant stakeholders.

Adolfo Ibáñez Universiy

Teaching Assistant | 2016 – 2017

• Assisted in six design and engineering courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, supporting curriculum development and the creation of instructional materials.

• Developed presentations and supplementary resources to enrich the learning experience for students.

• Fostered student success in project-based learning environments by providing personalized feedback and evaluating their projects.

• Addressed student queries and issues related to course content, promoting a harmonious and collaborative learning environment.

• Supervised project development and motivated students through the challenges of their learning journey.