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- Illustrating The Way Through: Bringing Stories to Life
A few years ago, authors April Jefferson and Mark Kilby approached me about creating visuals for their book, The Way Through: Real Stories of Courage, Connection, and Change From Around The World. At the time, they were still editing the stories that would fill the book today. Now, as the book moves closer to launch, it is exciting to reflect on the process of bringing its stories to life. April and Mark came to me looking for more than traditional book illustrations. They wanted someone to listen to the stories, understand the ideas connecting them, and capture those ideas through visual scribing. A visual practitioner listens as people share stories, knowledge, and ideas, then translates the conversation into words, images, symbols, and visual connections. Visual scribing (also known as graphic recording) is typically done live as people talk. For The Way Through, I used a slightly different approach. I asked April and Mark to create audios of each story. They took turns narrating, and their audio became the “live” content I worked from. Over many weeks, I listened closely to each collection of stories often more than once as I used a vector-based drawing app to capture the stories graphically. I did not want to rush the process. I wanted to hear not only what was being said, but also the emotions, relationships, and ideas beneath the words. Creating a Visual Entryway The book is organized into six themed “spaces.” April and Mark carefully grouped stories that belonged together. So rather than scribing every story separately, I listened to the stories as one collective space - like strangers gathering to exchange the most vulnerable or aha moments. Each space felt like traveling through a multi-dimensional universe, getting slices of people's experiences and perspectives on what it means to hold space. For the reader, the visual scribings are parts of multiple stories, thus creating a visual representation of the larger theme within the respective space. These images appear at the opening of each space, giving readers a sense of what they are about to enter. One reviewer described them as a kind of palate cleanser. I love that description because the artwork creates a pause—a moment to transition, become curious, and prepare for what comes next. Smaller illustrations also appear near the ends of the spaces. For those images, I thought about everyday moments of reflection and care: sitting around a table, drinking tea, being near plants, resting, or simply allowing quiet into the day. The opening visual scribings invite readers in. The closing illustrations offer a softer place to land. Butterflies, Bees, and Groundhogs The book’s opening and closing pages also honor Open Space Technology and the different ways people can show up. The bee represents movement, conversation, and engagement. It buzzes between spaces, carrying ideas from one place to another. The butterfly flutters in and out. It may stay briefly before moving on, but its presence can still create an unexpected connection. The groundhog represents the need to burrow away; or to become quiet, observe, rest, and practice self-care. This is how I imagine them and the reader may interpret something different. These creatures are symbols for how readers might experience the book. They can buzz in, flutter through, burrow deeply, step away, or return later. There is no single correct way to move through this book and its many stories. At Last the Cover The cover was one of the final images I created. Although I explored ideas earlier, its meaning became clearer only after I had completed the spaces. I imagined people moving through space and time. They were floating, curving, rising, descending, and traveling in different directions. Their paths were not straight or identical. That movement reflects the title, The Way Through: Real Stories of Courage, Connection, and Change From Around The World. People are always going through something whether life-changing, small bumps in the road, or uplifting. We are upside, downside, sideways, and across. Sometimes we are on a loop, and sometimes we are stalled. Creating visual for this book required patience, imagination, and deep listening. The Way Through has been a long labor of love for April and Mark, and it has been an honor to help create the visual world through which their stories and readers can now travel. Written by Ashanti Gardner, with AI-assisted editing.
- Studio Note: Introducing Human-Centered Knowledge Management
The Social Art Complex is expanding its knowledge-to-action work with a new service area: Human-Centered Knowledge Management. This offering is for mission-driven small to medium organizations, entrepreneurs, and community-centered groups that want to better understand, organize, share, and use what they already know. Knowledge lives everywhere. It lives in conversations, documents, meetings, memories, programs, shared drives, relationships, and the experience of people doing the work every day. But when that knowledge is scattered, siloed, or hard to find, it can become difficult to make decisions, onboard others, transfer what people know, or prepare for what comes next. This is where human-centered knowledge management supported by system thinking begins. Before choosing a new tool, redesigning a folder structure, writing a stack of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), or preparing for emerging technologies like AI, it helps to slow down and understand the knowledge ecosystem that already exists. Where does knowledge live? Who holds it? How does it move? How is it transferred between individuals and teams? What knowledge is critical? What is documented? What lives in someone’s head? What could get lost during transition, growth, or change? At TSAC, this work starts with looking and understanding. As a design thinking practitioner, I am especially interested in the discovery side of knowledge work: empathy, observation, contextual inquiry, listening, sensemaking, and surfacing what may not yet be visible. I want to understand how people actually work, what they need to know, what gets in the way, and where there may be opportunities to create more useful systems, practices, and support. This work may include: Contextual inquiry and observation Interviews with staff, workers, or subject matter experts Lightweight knowledge audits Visual process mapping Knowledge mapping Knowledge transfer strategies Simple knowledge management plans SOP or documentation starter templates Knowledge-sharing practices Recommendations for organizing, finding, and reusing knowledge Readiness conversations for emerging tools and technologies For teams that are not ready for a large technology investment, this can be a practical starting point. We can look at what is already happening, identify low-risk improvements, and create a simple path forward. For teams preparing for future tools, digital transformation, or AI-enabled knowledge work, this can also help create a clearer foundation. Technology works better when people understand what knowledge they have, where it lives, how it is used, and what needs to be made more visible, findable, and trustworthy. This work can also begin with process mapping. If your team does not have a clear picture of how a process works, we can start there. Together, we can map the flow of work with the people who know it best. From there, we can move into knowledge mapping to understand what knowledge is needed, created, exchanged, stored, reused, or at risk within that process. The goal is not to overbuild. The goal is to help teams see what they know, understand where knowledge lives, and create practical ways to share and use it. Depending on the need, this support can be a short discovery engagement, a focused knowledge mapping session, a starter knowledge management plan, or a longer partnership. In some cases, I may help create the initial structure and then hand it over to your team for implementation. For others, I may work alongside you over time as a thought partner and knowledge-sharing guide. At the heart of this new service is a simple belief: To make the knowledge visible, we must understand and cultivate an environment where people can participate and contribute in a knowledge economy. Human-Centered Knowledge Management is one way The Social Art Complex helps teams do that: through empathy, systems thinking, visual sensemaking, and practical support for how knowledge is discovered, organized, shared, and carried forward. More to come soon.
- Knowledge Mapping: Making Work and Knowledge Visible
Why Knowledge Mapping Matters Process mapping is necessary for running a business, organization, program, or team. We all have processes, procedures, routines, and ways of working. When we map those processes, we can see what is happening, where gaps exist, and where there may be opportunities to improve. Above is an illustration of knowledge mapping. Techniques and facilitation may vary. This is part of good customer experience, good user experience, and good organizational practice. We look at what we are doing so we can understand how to update, improve, or transform it. If we do not pause to examine how work is happening, we can easily keep doing the same things simply because that is how they have always been done. But the world changes. Organizations that do not examine their processes, adapt their practices, and pay attention to emerging shifts can find themselves operating from assumptions that no longer fit the moment. Innovation requires us to look honestly at what we are doing, how we are doing it, and whether our current ways of working still serve the people, communities, customers, or teams we are trying to support. Process mapping helps us see the flow of work. Knowledge mapping helps us see the knowledge inside that flow. In any process, people are working with data, information, experience, memory, judgment, context, and relationships. A piece of data may become information when it is organized and given structure. A policy, guide, procedure, or compliance requirement may become an important piece of information. But when that information is used repeatedly, relied on by people, returned to over time, and needed to make decisions or complete work, it starts to function as a knowledge asset. Some knowledge assets are especially critical. These are the things people continually reach for, reuse, interpret, update, and depend on to do their jobs well. They need to be curated, maintained, discoverable, and findable. That is where knowledge management becomes important. Many teams have information sitting inside shared drives, storage platforms, collaboration tools, inboxes, and digital systems. The information exists, but that does not mean people can find it quickly or use it well. If knowledge is scattered, poorly named, inconsistently stored, or held by only one person, people can spend hours searching, recreating, or guessing. Knowledge mapping helps make this visible. It asks: Who holds the knowledge? Where does the knowledge live? What type of knowledge is it? How critical is it? What is the quality of the knowledge? Who is responsible for maintaining it? Who needs access to it? What happens if it is lost, outdated, or hard to find? This matters because efficiency is not only about moving faster. It is about helping people find and use the knowledge they need when they need it. Knowledge mapping also helps reveal where knowledge is single-threaded. If only one person knows how something works, that creates risk. If that person leaves, changes roles, becomes unavailable, or simply gets overwhelmed, the organization may lose access to important experience-based knowledge. That raises important questions: How is that knowledge being transferred? Has it been documented? Has it been shared across the team? Is there redundancy? Is the knowledge easy to find? Is the tacit, experience-based knowledge being surfaced in some way? Before technology, understand the knowledge. The New Frontier This is especially important in a time when many organizations are trying to prepare for emerging technologies like AI. Teams are paying more attention to file naming conventions, folder structures, documentation, metadata, content health, and knowledge organization because they understand that messy knowledge systems make it harder to work efficiently now and harder to prepare for what is coming next. But even if a team is preparing for AI, knowledge mapping is still useful. It helps people understand the knowledge that already exists inside their work. It helps teams see where knowledge is flowing, where it is stuck, where it is fragile, and where it needs better support. But we cannot only understand our processes. We also need to understand where knowledge is being held inside those processes, business activities, and everyday workflows. That is the value of this exercise. It is a way to slow down, look closely at the work, and ask: what knowledge helps this process function, and what do we need to do to make that knowledge more visible, shareable, and useful? For more information, please contact info@thesocialartcomplex.com.
- The Cost of AI: When the Light Switches On
I recently listened to a fascinating conversation on a tech podcast discussing the “AI bubble,” and it pushed me to think more critically about where AI truly is right now and where we may actually be headed. To be clear, I have listened to a variety of opinions related to AI: what it is and what it is not. However, this conversation cut through to me. One thing that stood out was the way the conversation illustrated the AI ecosystem into three major segments: AI labs where AI models are continuously trained, AI startups fueled by venture capital, and AI infrastructure, where we see the commodification of data centers, land, and energy. There was also a mention as to whether AI will be “the next electricity.” Personally, I’m not completely convinced. Not because I think AI is fake or useless, but because there is more to be discussed when it comes to AI. In specific use cases, AI can be an incredibly powerful tool. Right now, most people experience AI as an enhancement integrated into existing systems: smarter search, workflow automation, coding assistance, recommendation engines, summarization, and customer support To me, AI currently feels more like an extension of the internet and modern software than something entirely separate from it. The “All-You-Can-Eat” Phase of AI One of the more interesting points from the podcast was the idea that we are in an “all-you-can-eat” phase of AI. Right now, organizations are deploying AI systems at relatively low cost compared to the enormous infrastructure required to support them. But eventually, venture capital will let go, and things will become real. At some point, the switch will flip. How does venture capital work? Well, pretend you and your friends want to open the best-ever coffee shop. You have the recipes and the vision, but you do not have enough funds to buy state-of-the-art espresso machines, renovate the space, or market your coffee shop. So, you seek out a venture capitalist, a wealthy investor who gives you money to help grow the coffee shop quickly. In exchange for their investment, you give them a percentage of ownership in the business. But they do not actually want to make coffee themselves. They are betting that your coffee shop could eventually grow into a huge brand with regional or global locations. If that happens, their ownership becomes worth far more in the future because another company could buy your coffee shop, or it could become large enough to go public one day. Getting back to real life, many AI companies are still being backed by venture capital. And when that happens, we will see the true cost of AI. Maybe the long-term cost becomes minimal because the technology scales efficiently and becomes widely distributed. Or maybe the real costs are much larger than people currently realize. And I don’t just mean financially. The Hidden Costs of AI The current phase of this AI boom is tied to a race for infrastructure: data centers, land acquisition, energy consumption, water usage, chip manufacturing, and large-scale compute expansion. But what is the environmental cost to be paid for this venture? If the future of AI requires endless expansion of energy-intensive infrastructure, then environmental impact cannot be treated as an afterthought. And beyond environmental concerns, there are also economic and social costs: labor disruption, shifting productivity expectations, bias embedded in systems, and lack of regulation and standards. That uncertainty matters. At the End of the Day My hope is that we center people and environmental systems, and not artificial 'minds' taking over humanity. Our real challenge may not be whether AI becomes “the next electricity.” It may be whether our society can thoughtfully balance the benefits of AI against the environmental, economic, and social costs that come with building it.
- How Early Exploration Prevents Confusion Later
Early in my career, I was often labeled a problem solver — someone who could jump in and get things done. And for a long time, I took pride in that. But there came a point when I began to question whether what I was doing was actually solving problems, or simply patching them. Sometimes it felt less like addressing the root of an issue and more like plugging holes just fast enough to keep the boat from sinking. What I began to notice over time was that in people's rush to solve problems, they often left out others. Stakeholders, collaborators, and those most affected by change are sometimes brought in late or not at all. And when that happens, confusion surfaces quickly and things slow down, often in ways that feel avoidable in hindsight. My path into user experience design, and later design thinking, shifted how I understood problem solving. What user experience design taught me most deeply was the importance of centering the human experience. It was not an afterthought, but the starting point. Design thinking helped me further soften that lens, emphasizing curiosity, listening, and exploration before moving toward a defined solution. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the difference between active listening and generative listening. Active listening can still be driven by an internal urge to respond, to fix, or to move things forward. Generative listening requires something else entirely: the discipline to be quiet, to sit with what’s being said, and to take in perspectives without immediate response or judgement. This is especially important when working with complex, people-centered challenges. There’s a strong pull particularly for some problem solvers to jump quickly into solution-making. But when people move too fast, they risk missing critical dynamics: relationships between people, systems and subsystems, environmental constraints, and the lived experiences of those impacted by change. Exploration at the start of a project isn’t about perfection, and it isn’t about avoiding mistakes altogether. It’s about trying to get more of the right things visible early. That means being curious enough to ask: Who else needs to be part of this conversation? What assumptions are we making? What perspectives are we missing? I also do not believe exploration means getting stuck in analysis paralysis. There is a difference between thoughtful inquiry and endless deliberation. Exploration, when done with intention, helps teams move forward with greater clarity and fewer blind spots. A key part of this work is understanding stakeholders, broadly defined. Stakeholders are not just executives or decision-makers. In my opinion, they can include anyone affected by a change: from the CEO to the person on the street. Some stakeholders are critical, others are supportive, and some sit on the periphery. And being on the periphery doesn’t mean being outside the system; it simply means experiencing its effects differently. When teams take time early on to engage stakeholders, define shared language, and surface different interpretations of key terms, they create opportunities for alignment. Visioning work, for example, is not just about imagining the future; it is about building shared understanding in the present. Clarifying what we mean by the words we use can prevent misalignment later, when decisions become harder to change. Over the years, I learned that bringing people along especially at the beginning reduces friction down the line. It does not eliminate tension or disagreement, but it makes them easier to navigate. Even those who challenge ideas or raise concerns are part of the process, and their perspectives often reveal important constraints or risks. Exploration is not an add-on. It is a way of working that honors complexity and acknowledges that people and systems are deeply interconnected. The more we involve people early with the listening, mapping, and making sense together, the less confusion we have to untangle later. At its core, this is about learning how to bring people along thoughtfully and intentionally, from the very start.
- Embracing AI in Design Thinking: A Human-First Approach
As a design-thinking and visual practitioner, I am committed to using Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly, creatively, and with a human-first mindset. The Power of AI in Design AI is a powerful amplifier. It expands our thinking but does not replace our judgment, originality, or accountability. This distinction is crucial in the design process. Purpose AI serves as a tool to enhance creativity. It should never overshadow the human element in design. The goal is to use AI to support our ideas, not to become the sole driver of them. Guiding Principles People First: Always prioritize human creativity and decision-making. System Awareness: Understand the relationships within systems and how they affect outcomes. AI supports our creativity, but we must remain responsible for our intentions and the impact of our decisions. Originality Before Optimization I protect time and space for solo thinking. AI should only enter the process after initial ideas have been formed and critically examined. This ensures that our originality shines through. Augmentation, Not Automation AI can help surface options, patterns, and risks. However, it does not make final decisions or moral judgments. The responsibility lies with us, the creators. Responsibility Over Convenience Every output generated by AI must be questioned, verified, and contextualized. Speed should never outweigh integrity. We must ensure that our work maintains its authenticity. Care for People & Data Respect for privacy, authorship, and intellectual property is paramount. I avoid using AI in ways that could exploit or misrepresent others. Mindful Use Using AI intentionally is essential. We must be aware of the environmental, cognitive, and cultural costs associated with its use. What This Means in Practice I remain accountable for all work I publish and the decisions I make. I choose when not to use AI, ensuring that my creative voice is preserved. AI is a lens, not my pen. It enhances my work but does not define it. Conclusion In conclusion, the integration of AI into design thinking can be transformative. However, it is essential to approach it with a human-first mindset. By adhering to these guiding principles, we can harness AI's potential while maintaining our creative integrity. For those interested in exploring this further, consider checking out resources on design thinking.
- Studio Note: January 2026
As I step into 2026, I am continuing to shape The Social Art Complex with intention and care. My work remains grounded in visual storytelling, and human-centered design, even as the creative landscape continues to shift. I am paying close attention to how tools like artificial intelligence (AI) are influencing creative work - not as shortcuts, but as technologies and systems that require thoughtful use and clear boundaries. For me, AI supports experimentation, exploration, and problem-solving, and it must be guided by a strong sense of ethical responsibility. Over the past year, I have begun deepening my understanding of AI and design thinking. In parallel, I have been considering how AI-enabled tools might support my visual design and illustrative workflows. At the same time, I continue to explore motion and timelapse visuals as part of an ongoing interest in how systems, people, and objects move, evolve, and unfold over time. This year is about focused expansion - moving deliberately, learning deeply, and building work that remains human at its core.
- Reimagining Unconference: A Space for Collective Growth
Cultivating Abundance and Individual Power Reimagining Unconference continues to be an incredible open space for listening, learning, and collective visioning. I always walk away energized by the wide range of perspectives and lived experiences that fill the room. Last Year's Theme: Cultivating Plenty Last year’s gathering centered around the theme of cultivating plenty and abundance . This powerful reminder shows us that there’s more than enough when we shift how we see and share resources. It encourages us to rethink our approach to collaboration and community building. This Year's Focus: Personal Creation This year, the focus turned inward. Participants explored what they could create on their own . This shift in perspective highlights what becomes possible when we move beyond the status quo. It also emphasizes the power we currently hold within ourselves. The Energy of Change It’s no small task to imagine new ways of being and doing. During this year's unconference, you could feel that shift happening. Barriers dissolved, ideas expanded , and both individual and collective potential came into view. This energy is essential for fostering innovation and growth. Looking Ahead: Future Possibilities I'm already wondering what next year's unconference might explore. The potential for new themes and discussions is exciting. Each gathering builds on the last, creating a rich tapestry of ideas and experiences. Gratitude for Facilitators Many thanks to Lena, EK, and Susan for their superb facilitation! Their guidance helped create an environment where everyone felt valued and heard. Join the Movement To learn more about this transformative experience, visit reimaginingunconference.com . Engage with a community that is committed to exploring new ideas and fostering growth. Conclusion: The Power of Collective Visioning In conclusion, the Reimagining Unconference is more than just an event. It is a movement towards understanding and embracing our collective potential. By coming together, we can create a future filled with possibilities. Let’s continue to cultivate abundance and explore the power within ourselves.
- The Trickster’s Wisdom: Facing Adversity with the Tree of Life Deck
The hare in the Adversity card set is a symbol of quick thinking, creativity, and resilience. With ears alert and eyes wide, the hare navigates an uncertain landscape. It serves as a reminder that adversity often requires courage and ingenuity. Exploring the Symbolism of the Hare This card invites people to pause and explore: The forces and barriers that stand in the way of transformation. How we might face adversity directly, without turning away from difficult truths. The unconventional wisdom and creativity that can help us move forward. The Importance of Reflection For my upcoming American Future Search facilitation at the Ampersand Gathering , I selected this card as part of a carefully curated set to guide the conversation about how we might grow together as Americans. These cards aren’t answers; they are doorways. The hare reminds us that even in complex, challenging times, we hold creativity and insight that can guide us forward. The Four Crocodiles: A Counterbalance Another card from this set is the Four Crocodiles . They bring a sharper energy, representing tension, power dynamics, and fear. Together, the Hare and the Four Crocodiles encourage us to acknowledge both internal resilience and external realities. The Tree of Life Deck The Tree of Life deck was created as a tool to spark curiosity and connection, helping people reflect deeply and imagine boldly. By weaving these cards into facilitation, I hope to give participants space to slow down, listen, and co-create together. Wisdom in Adversity The Hare, above all else, reminds us that wisdom is everywhere. Sometimes it is hidden, sometimes playful, and always within reach, just outside our windows. Embracing Creativity In moments of adversity, embracing creativity can be transformative. It allows us to see challenges from new perspectives. This shift in viewpoint can lead to innovative solutions and pathways forward. The Role of Community Community plays a vital role in navigating adversity. By coming together, we can share insights and support one another. This collective strength can amplify our resilience and creativity. Conclusion In conclusion, the hare symbolizes the quick thinking and creativity needed to overcome challenges. As we face adversity, let us remember to pause, reflect, and engage with our communities. Together, we can navigate the complexities of life and emerge stronger. The journey of growth is not solitary; it is a shared experience. Let us embrace the wisdom that surrounds us and move forward with courage and creativity. ---wix---
- The Pivot: Deepening My Practice
I recently completed the International Forum of Visual Practitioner (IFVP) Master Visual Practitioner application—recorded a live scribing, gathered recommendations, and was accepted to move forward. Then I paused. Not because I doubted my skills. Since 2019, I have been practicing with curiosity, empathy, and collaboration—building a practice rooted in trust, dialogue, and shared exploration. But I realized I want more than validation. I want to lead through creativity, deepening my work as a visual practitioner and creative problem-solver. The Journey of Becoming a Visual Practitioner This prompted me to pursue the Presencing Institute’s Visual Practitioner Certification—a program I have intermittently considered for some time. I believe it will enhance my understanding of how visual practices can be the groundwork for cultivating innovation, collaboration, strategy, community, and collective work—an area I've been curious about for some time. Understanding Visual Practices Visual practices are living, transformative tools. They generate insight, spark conversation, and guide teams through complexity with imagination and collaboration. These practices are not just about drawing or scribing; they are about creating a shared language. This language helps teams articulate their thoughts and ideas more clearly. The Importance of Collaboration Collaboration is at the heart of effective visual practices. When teams work together, they can tackle complex problems more efficiently. Visual tools facilitate this collaboration by providing a common framework for discussion. This leads to better outcomes and more innovative solutions. Future Directions More to come later on how my services and offerings will evolve. I am excited about the potential changes and improvements that this certification will bring to my practice. If you have any use cases and would like to collaborate, please email info@thesocialartcomplex.com. I hope the change in direction will benefit you and future clients. Rest assured, I remain a member of the IFVP and will pursue the master certification in the future. Conclusion In conclusion, the journey of becoming a visual practitioner is ongoing. It is filled with opportunities for growth and learning. I am committed to exploring new avenues and enhancing my skills. This path will not only benefit me but also those I work with. I look forward to sharing more insights and developments as I continue this journey. Stay tuned for updates on my progress and new offerings. Together, we can explore the transformative power of visual practices in our work.
- From Reception to Repurpose: A Slice of Gratitude
Print Production of the Tote Bag Design I'm always impressed by the team at The People’s Climate Innovation Center —not just for their dedication to climate justice, but for their deep understanding of the power of visuals as a tool for movement-building and knowledge-sharing. One thing that truly stands out is their ongoing commitment to integrating visual artifacts into their programs and community engagement strategies . They don’t treat visuals as one-time event documentation—they weave them into the fabric of their work , using them to spark conversation, reflection, and even celebration. This particular image began as a live scribing piece I created at their opening reception in 2023 . In 2025, they reached out to repurpose the illustration for the Young Climate Leaders of Color event, asking to bring the artwork to life again as a tote bag design . And in a fun, full-circle moment, the same image even made an appearance on their event cake ! Beyond being visually engaging, scribing and storytelling reflect a thoughtful approach to knowledge-sharing. Visual scribing serves as a tool for capturing community insights, lived experiences, and collective wisdom and in a way that’s both accessible and emotionally resonant. It helps document conversations that might otherwise remain ephemeral, and makes it easier to transfer knowledge across generations , especially in movements rooted in ancestral, cultural, and place-based wisdom. In this way, visuals become more than artifacts—they become living documents that evolve with the community, supporting both memory and momentum. To learn more about how The People’s Climate Innovation Center, visit peoplesclimate.org . Colorful illustration from the 2023 Young Climate Leaders of Color gathering, depicting five figures holding hands under the phrase "The Future is Now," adorned with vibrant patterns and symbols representing unity and sustainability. Celebrating the Young Climate Leaders of Color 2025 convening with a vibrant and meaningful cake that asserts "The Future Is Ours."
- Bringing Stories to Life with LA Commons
One of the most inspiring projects I had the pleasure of working on last year was a collaboration with LA Commons , an organization whose mission is to “engage communities in artistic and cultural expression that tells their unique stories and serves as the basis for dialogue, interaction, and a shared understanding of Los Angeles.” As part of their Cultural District Storytelling Series , I created four visual scribing artifacts —capturing real-time conversations, ideas, and themes that emerged from their community gatherings. These visuals served not just as summaries, but as storytelling tools that helped preserve the energy and insight shared in each session. You can see how LA Commons featured the scribing work post-event by jumping to timestamp 07:57 in the news clip above. Learn more about the powerful work LA Commons is doing here: https://www.lacommons.org .












