Join us on November 12-13, 2024 in San Diego, California at the
IQHQ Research and Development District (RaDD)
This conference will take place in the San Diego-Tijuana region and focuses on innovative policy design and the cultural collaboration that shapes our area. With panels, workshops, and keynote speakers, participants will explore strategies to improve the future of urban communities.
Join us for a unique experience connecting global design and policy leaders—powered by UC San Diego Design Lab and the City of San Diego.
Together, we’ll help shape a better tomorrow.
Tim Brown is Chair of IDEO and Vice Chair of the kyu Collective. His bestseller Change By Design popularized design thinking among business leaders. A contributor to Harvard Business Review and Fast Company, his TED talks have reached millions. He focuses on creative leadership and design’s strategic application across various sectors.
President, MooreDesign Associates
Dr. Patricia Moore, a renowned designer and gerontologist, pioneered empathetic design through a four-year experiment disguised as an elderly woman. Named one of the world’s 40 Most Socially Conscious Designers, Moore’s groundbreaking work has redefined inclusivity, earning her numerous prestigious honors, including the National Design Award and the WDO’s World Design Medal.
Author, Design of Everyday Things
Don Norman, founder of the Design Lab at UC San Diego, co-founded the Nielsen Norman Group, and served as VP at Apple. He’s a National Academy of Engineering member, and author of Design of Everyday Things. His charity, DNDA, supports humanity-centered design initiatives (https://dnda.design).
Chair, National Endowment for the Arts
In January 2022, Dr. María Rosario Jackson became the first African American and Mexican American woman to chair the National Endowment for the Arts. A tenured professor at Arizona State University, she has a distinguished career in strategic planning, policy research, and urban planning.
Re-Imagining the Border
Transboundary Governance
Managing Cross-Border Housing, Urban Mobility & Workforce Development
Educating a Binational Workforce
Trans-boundary Climate Adaptation & Resiliency
The U.S.-Mexico Border’s Role in Global Wellbeing: Strategies for Management
President & CEO,
Institute of the Americas
Beyond Borders Chair
Richard Kiy is President & CEO of the Institute of the Americas and former CEO of the International Community Foundation. He also served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Environment, Health & Safety and the Acting Environmental Attaché at the U.S. Embassy-Mexico.
Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives
Institute of the Americas
Beyond Borders Co-Chair
Ms. White has played a pivotal role at the Institute of the Americas, serving in various leadership positions, including STEAM Director, Senior Advisor, and Vice President. She has organized numerous events, from board meetings to large-scale fundraising galas for Latin American leaders and dignitaries.
Dean of Liberal Arts, University of Texas, El Paso
Dr. Anadeli Bencomo, born in Venezuela, is a distinguished scholar in Latin American literature. She holds a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh and serves as Dean at UTEP. A Fulbright and Rockefeller awardee, she is passionate about Hispanic-serving institutions and global cultures.
Mayor, Windsor, Ontario
Mayor Drew Dilkens, elected in 2014, has led Windsor with a focus on fiscal discipline and regional collaboration. He has extensive experience in economic development, international trade, and law. A lifelong Windsor resident, he holds degrees in commerce, law, and business administration.
Commissioner, United States International Boundary and Water Commission
Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, appointed by President Biden in 2021, is the U.S. Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission. She previously led the Border Environment Cooperation Commission, overseeing $9 billion in projects. Dr. Giner holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and is a registered engineer.
Managing Director, Principal, Gensler
Tom is a Principal and Co-Managing Director at Gensler’s San Diego office with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in higher education and local government design, working with University of California campuses and California State universities. Tom also teaches design at the NewSchool of Architecture and Design.
Mexican Consul General, San Diego
Ambassador Alicia G. Kerber-Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego since February 2024, is a seasoned diplomat with over 30 years of service. A promoter of women’s rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion, she has held key roles in Houston, Philadelphia, Colombia, and Ireland.
Executive Director, Smart Border Coalition
Joaquin Luken, Executive Director of the Smart Border Coalition, has over 20 years of experience in U.S.-Mexico border issues. With a deep understanding of cross-border commerce, he enhances collaboration in the San Diego-Tijuana region. Luken holds degrees from ITESM and the University of San Diego.
President, National University
Mark Milliron, President of National University since 2022, is a distinguished leader in education. With past roles at Western Governors University and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has earned numerous accolades, including induction into the U.S. Distance Learning Association’s Hall of Fame.
Director of the Environment & Climate Change Program, Institute of the Americas
Tania Miranda is the Director of the Environment & Climate Change Program at the Institute of the Americas. She leads efforts to foster climate leadership across Latin America’s private sector and governments. Tania holds degrees from USC and Johns Hopkins, with extensive experience in international relations.
CEO, SANDAG
Mario Orso, appointed CEO of SANDAG, previously served as Chief Deputy Director at Caltrans District 11. With over 32 years at Caltrans, Orso has led major infrastructure projects and managed substantial budgets. He holds a degree in civil engineering from San Diego State University.
Former Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S.
Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan, founder of Sarukhan + Associates, is a former Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. and a pioneer in digital diplomacy. He is a senior fellow at Brookings, teaches at top universities, and serves on several prestigious boards, focusing on U.S.-Mexico relations and global issues.
U.S. Consul General, Tijuana
Christopher Teal, a Senior Foreign Service Officer and Minister Counselor, is the U.S. Consul General in Tijuana, Mexico. With 25 years of experience, he has held key roles worldwide, directed a documentary on African American diplomat Ebenezer Bassett, and taught at leading universities.
Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors
Nora E. Vargas, Chairwoman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, is the first Latina and woman of color to hold this role. With over 25 years of leadership experience, she’s recognized for her impactful cross-border collaborations and commitment to underserved communities.
Associate Vice Chancellor,
UC San Diego
Mary Walshok, Associate Vice Chancellor at UC San Diego since 1987, also serves as Dean of Extension and Adjunct Professor of Sociology. A distinguished educator, she has held visiting professorships at Oxford and Stockholm School of Economics. Walshok’s accolades include Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star.
Beyond Creative: Policy & Applied
United Nations: Year of Creative Economy
Lessons from the Latin American Creative Economy
Design x Policy: Global Models Driving Impactful Change
Community-lead Creative Development
The Role of Design Museums in Community Development
Democratizing Design in the San Diego/Tijuana Transborder Region
Executive Director for the Arts & Culture, City of San Diego
Beyond Creative Chair
Jonathon Glus is San Diego’s Executive Director for Arts and Culture, leading the city’s investment in arts, culture, and creative industries. With over two decades of experience in senior public sector roles, he collaborates across sectors and with partners in philanthropy, tourism, and international cultural initiatives.
Head of Policy, Policy Lab UK
A dynamic policymaker and strategic designer, she co-leads the UK Policy Lab, integrating design into government policy. With experience at the UK Design Council, European Commission, and more, she bridges academia and advocacy. A Visiting Scholar at Parsons and Fellow of The Public Policy Lab, she drives impactful change through her passion for complex systems.
Chair, National Endowment for the Arts
In January 2022, Dr. María Rosario Jackson became the first African American and Mexican American woman to chair the National Endowment for the Arts. A tenured professor at Arizona State University, she has a distinguished career in strategic planning, policy research, and urban planning.
Senior Policy Designer, Policy Lab UK
Neha Sharma is a Senior Policy Designer at Policy Lab UK, leading projects that innovate complex government policies. Since 2020, she has specialized in policy design, following a career in digital product development for higher education. Policy Lab UK, founded in 2014, enhances policymaking with design, innovation, and people-centered approaches.
Host, The World
Marco Werman, host of The World, began his journalism career at 16. His diverse experience spans documentary photography, print, radio, and television. He started in radio in Burkina Faso and has since won numerous awards, including an Emmy. Marco is dedicated to bringing compelling international news to American audiences.
AI and the New Information Age
The Path to Clean Energy
Beyond Space
Housing Innovation
Integrating Life Science in the Californias
Innovations in Financial Inclusion
Director, The Design Lab
Beyond Innovation Co-Chair
Mai Thi Nguyen is a Professor of Urban Studies and Planning and Director of the Design Lab at UC San Diego. An award-winning public scholar, her research focuses on social equity, housing, immigration, and climate change policy. She is committed to building equitable, resilient cities through her leadership and academic work.
Founder, Jitterbug
Martin (Marty) Cooper, inventor of the portable cellular phone at Motorola in 1973, is a wireless industry pioneer. He founded Cellular Business Systems and GreatCall, Inc. Cooper’s Law, describing spectral capacity growth, highlights his influence. He teaches at the Illinois Institute of Technology and advises the U.S. Government on technology.
CEO, ITijuana
Maritza Diaz, CEO of ITJ USA, Inc., is a seasoned technology executive with 20+ years in IT and software engineering. She excels in digital transformation, agile adoption, and team building. Maritza leverages her international experience and Tijuana’s talent to drive innovation for California-based companies.
City Manager, Riverside, CA
Mike Futrell became Riverside’s City Manager on January 9, 2023. With extensive executive experience in government and private industry, he led South San Francisco for nine years, achieving a AAA credit rating and transforming it into a biotech hub. He previously served in Baton Rouge and holds advanced degrees from multiple universities.
Senior Director of Strategic Development, General Atomics
Zabrina, Senior Director of Strategic Development at General Atomics, brings over 20 years of expertise in defense, energy, and advanced technologies. A former U.S. Navy nuclear propulsion officer, she holds degrees from Santa Clara University and master’s degrees from Old Dominion and the University of San Diego.
Chancellor, UC San Diego
Pradeep K. Khosla became UC San Diego’s eighth chancellor in 2012, leading a campus of over 43,000 students and renowned research institutions. An electrical and computer engineer, he has expanded access to education, led major fundraising efforts, and strengthened university-community partnerships.
Former VP Design, Credo.Ai
VP of Design at Credo AI, a startup pioneering responsible AI. With 20+ years in UX design and leadership roles at Teradata, eBay, MicroStrategy, and Sears Holdings, Kyle champions user needs and ethical software development. Passionate about human-centered AI, they lead the design team in crafting impactful solutions for today’s challenges.
President & CEO, Biocom California
Joseph Panetta is President and CEO of Biocom California, representing over 1,700 life science members. He co-founded the Biocom California PAC and workforce development programs. With experience in industry and government, Panetta holds degrees in biology and public health, joining Biocom California in 1999.
Senior Vice President, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.
Daniel J. Ryan is Co-President and Regional Market Director – San Diego at Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. He oversees the San Diego region’s growth and operations. Previously, he was CEO of Veralliance and a founding principal at Pacific Management Services. He holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Vice President, Tongji University
Lou Yongqi, PhD, is Vice President of Tongji University and Chair of China’s National Graduate Education Steering Committee for Design. A pioneer in design-driven innovation, he has led Tongji’s College of Design and Innovation, served on global boards, and earned prestigious international honors for his contributions.
The Future of Health Today
Genesis
One Person Can Change the Healthcare System
A Trust-Based, Resilient Healthcare System is Possible
Si Se Puede
Beginning From the End: Co-Designing a Use Case for a Positive-Sum, Resilient Healthcare Ecosystem
Making it Inevitable
Professor of Medicine and Design and Director, Center 4 Health Design
Beyond Health Chair
Dr. Spencer is an Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at UCSD and Director of the Design Lab Center for Health. His work spans healthcare systems in resource-limited settings, advanced biometrics and diagnostics, and participatory design for cancer care in Appalachia.
Research Professor, USC
Beyond Health Co-Chair
Dr. Jadad, a physician, innovator, and philosopher, co-designs resilient healthcare systems with global leaders. He founded the Centre for Digital Therapeutics and created the Jadad Scale for assessing clinical trial quality. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Oxford and honorary doctorates in Arts and Laws.
Partner, Vivenxia Consulting
Beyond Health Co-Chair
Managing Director, NextMed Health
Shawna Butler RN, MBA, is a renowned nurse economist and managing director of NextMed Health. As the creator of the EntrepreNURSE-in-Residence role and host of the SEE YOU NOW podcast, she champions nurse-led innovations in healthcare, integrating cutting-edge technologies to drive systemic change and improve global health outcomes.
Director, MITRE Health Innovation Center
Linda Fischetti is the director of MITRE’s Health & Society Innovation Center, with experience across payer, provider, government, and private sectors, including roles at Aetna and the VA. She serves on several health IT boards and holds advanced degrees in nursing and informatics from the University of Maryland-Baltimore.
Founder, Humane Genomics Inc.
Andrew Hessel is the founder of Humane Genomics Inc., a virtual biotech company focused on open-source synthetic viruses. Their first project is a platform for creating personalized cancer therapies for dogs. He also co-founded the Genome Project-write, advancing the design and testing of large genomes, including the human genome.
Founder, NextMed Health
Daniel, a member of the Aspen Institute Health Innovators Fellowship and Kaufman Fellows Society, is a partner at Continuum Health Ventures, funding early-stage digital health companies. He has given TED and TEDMED talks, holds numerous scientific publications and patents, founded Digital.Health and IntelliMedicine, and is an advisor to several startups. Daniel is also an inventor, pilot, and former Air National Guard flight surgeon.
Interim Deputy Public Health Officer, County of San Diego
Dr. Seema Shah is the Medical Director of the Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch for the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. A pediatric emergency medicine physician, she was previously the Medical Director at Rady Children’s Hospital and a UC San Diego Professor.
The Beyond Boundaries conference offers more than just policy conversations—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in experiences that push the limits of creativity and connection. Alongside thought-provoking sessions across four tracks, you’ll engage with performances, activations, and exhibits designed to spark new perspectives.
These immersive experiences energize the mind and body, creating a positive environment where bold thinking and collaboration thrive. Rooted in the values of World Design Capital 2024, Beyond Boundaries fosters well-being and community, proving that impactful design begins with connected individuals and thriving communities.
Experience the power of design to connect, inspire, and transform.
