World Design Policy Conference - World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024

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Beyond Boundaries is a two-day conference where global leaders and innovators will gather to share ideas and strategies that will profoundly impact the future of urban living through design-led policies.

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.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Keynotes

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.

Tim Brown

Chair, IDEO

Dr. Thomas Garvey is the President of the World Design Organization, focusing on industrial design’s role in creating better products and services. With extensive experience in design education and research, he has held leadership positions at Carleton University and has worked internationally on diverse projects.

Thomas Garvey

President, World Design Organization

Dr. Patricia Moore, a renowned designer and gerontologist, pioneered empathetic design by living as an elderly woman for four years. Named one of the 40 Most Socially Conscious Designers, her groundbreaking work has redefined inclusivity, earning her honors like the National Design Award and the WDO’s World Design Medal.

Patricia Moore

President, MooreDesign Associates

UC San Diego Professor Emeritus, former Apple VP of Advanced Technology, and NNG co-founder. Holds three honorary degrees. Member of the NAE and the AAAS. Received the British Sir Misha Black Medal for Design Education. Published 21 books including Design for a Better World. Co-created Don Norman Design Award, charity recognizing early-career practitioners.

Don Norman

Author, Design of Everyday Things

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.

Dr. María Rosario Jackson

Chair, National Endowment for the Arts

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.

Marco Werman

Host, The World

Tracks

Ecosystem of Connection

Investigating how decentralization, migration, and near-shoring shape our interconnected cross-border communities and foster global economic resilience and adaptability.

VIEW

Ecosystems of Commerce

Exploring how community life, thriving creative economies, and cultural transformation interact to shape dynamic and prosperous commercial ecosystems.

VIEW

Ecosystems of Consequence

Identifying disruptive scientific, technological,and policy design and innovations that will alter the course of our future on the planet.

VIEW

Ecosystem of Change

Imagining the future healthcare system and co-designing a trust-driven, resilient system inspired by evidence-based principles.

VIEW

Beyond Borders

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.

Richard Kiy

President & CEO,

Institute of the Americas

Beyond Borders 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.

Sherry White

Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives

Institute of the Americas

Beyond Borders Co-Chair

Tad Seth Parzen is the President and CEO of the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, co-founded with Malin Burnham in 2021. Known for his civic leadership and community development expertise, Tad was named 2023 Nonprofit CEO of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal.

Tad Seth Parzen

Co-founder, President & CEO, Burnham Center for Community Advancement.

Paloma Aguirre, Mayor at-large of Imperial Beach, is a first-generation Mexican American and environmental advocate. With degrees from USD and UCSD, she has worked as a community organizer and for WILDCOAST. Aguirre also serves on the California Coastal Commission and enjoys bodyboarding in her spare time.

Paloma Aguirre

Mayor, Imperial Beach, California

Nicole, a design and architecture graduate from Texas Tech, became the first Latina Chief Resilience Officer in 2014, leading El Paso’s resilience efforts. Now Director of Community + Human Development, she focuses on climate, housing, and economic challenges, and led COVID-19 relief for vulnerable populations.

Nicole Alderete-Ferrini

Director, Office of Climate & Sustainability, City of 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.

Dr. Anadeli Bencomo

Dean of Liberal Arts, University of Texas, El Paso

Darbi is a climate leader driving regional resilience and adaptation efforts through the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative. She supports climate adaptation, coastal resilience, and energy efficiency projects and serves on several statewide climate advisory boards. She holds an MS in Environmental and Ocean Sciences from USD.

Darbi Berry

Director, San Diego Regional Climate Change Collaborative

Stephen Brooks is Professor of Political Science at the University of Windsor and Visiting Professor of Political Science at the University of Michigan. His most recent books include America Through Foreign Eyes: Classic Interpreters of American Political Life and Canadian Democracy, 3rd Edition.

Dr. Stephen Brooks

Professor of Political Science, University of Windsor

Andy Carey is Executive Director of the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership, supporting 400 organizations fostering leadership and philanthropy in the region. He also teaches nonprofit management at the University of San Diego and serves on multiple advisory boards across the U.S. and Mexico.

Andy Carey

Executive Director, U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership

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.

Dr. Maria-Elena Giner. P.E.

Commissioner, United States International Boundary and Water Commission

Verónica González Sepúlveda is the Director of the Resilience Coordination in Ciudad Juárez, with expertise in urban resilience, environmental management, and public policy. She holds a PhD in Urban Studies and has led various strategic projects for resilience and environmental sustainability in the region.

Verónica González Sepúlveda

Director of the Resilience Coordination, Ciudad Juárez

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.

Tom Heffernan

Managing Director, Principal, Gensler

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.

Ambassador Alicia Kerber Palma

Mexican Consul General, San Diego

Ted is a Senior Program Officer at the Walton Family Foundation, leading the Colorado River Initiative. He supports sustainable river management, drawing on deep expertise in water issues. Ted holds degrees from Cornell and the University of Colorado and enjoys skiing, running, and family life.

Ted Kowalski

Senior Program Officer, Colorado River Initiative

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.

Joaquin Luken

Executive Director, Smart Border Coalition

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.

Dr. Mark Milliron

President, National University

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.

Tania Miranda

Director of the Environment & Climate Change Program, Institute of the Americas

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.

Mario Orso

Chief Executive Officer, SANDAG

Eric Pearson has been President and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation since 2011, overseeing projects like Downtown revitalization and education initiatives. Under his leadership, the foundation has managed over 650 funds, including raising $12 million for victims of the 2019 Cielo Vista Walmart shooting.

Eric Pearson

Chief Executive Officer, El Paso Community Foundation

David Perez Tejada has over 15 years in public service, leading economic, climate, and housing initiatives as a Baja California Congressman. He received Poland's Order to the Merit and the 2022 Bridge Builder Award from the San Diego Regional Chamber. He is committed to cross-border collaboration.

David Perez Tejada

Former Head, Instituto Nacional de Migración, Baja California Delegation

Ariel G. Ruiz Soto is a Senior Policy Analyst at MPI, researching migration policies from Panama to Canada. He specializes in immigration impacts and demographic trends. Ariel holds a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Whitman College.

Ariel Ruiz

Senior Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute

Dr. Mark Sanchez has over 20 years of community college leadership experience, focusing on equity-centered programs, student access, and personal development. A San Diego native, he holds degrees from Southwestern College, Point Loma Nazarene University, and California State University, Fresno.

Dr. Mark Sanchez

President, Southwestern College

Eduardo Schütte leads CBX's commercial operations in the San Diego-Tijuana region, bringing over 30 years of expertise in travel and hospitality. A seasoned executive, he excels in strategic planning, revenue management, and team development, with a focus on driving growth and innovation across markets.

Eduardo Schütte

Chief Commercial Officer, Cross Border Xpress (CBX)

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.

Chris Teal

U.S. Consul General, Tijuana

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.

Nora E. Vargas

Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors

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.

Mary Walshok

Associate Vice Chancellor,

UC San Diego

Kenia Zamarripa is Vice President of International and Public Affairs at the San Diego Regional Chamber, leading cross-border business advocacy. She holds a BA in Marketing from CETYS Universidad and an MSc in Global Marketing Management from the University of Liverpool, UK.

Kenia Zamarripa

Vice President, International and Public Affairs, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce

Meghan Zavala is a Data & Policy Analyst with Al Otro Lado, working at the California-Mexico border. She supports data management and advocacy for migrant rights, having led efforts to document family separations. Meghan holds a Master of Public Policy from UCSD's School of Global Policy and Strategy.

Meghan Zavala

Data & Policy Analyst, Al Otro Lado

Beyond Creative

Track Speakers

Jonathon Glus is the Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs for the City of San Diego, where he leads 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 partners with philanthropy, tourism, and international cultural initiatives.

Jonathon Glus

Director, Department of Cultural Affairs, City of San Diego

Beyond Creative Chair

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.

Camilla Buchanan

Head of Policy, Policy Lab UK

Edna dos Santos-Duisenberg is an economist known for establishing and leading the UN’s Creative Economy Programme at UNCTAD. She co-authored the UN Creative Economy Reports and developed the Global Database on Creative Economy. Currently, she advises governments and institutions and collaborates with academia globally.

Edna Dos Santos-Duisenberg

International Policy Advisor

Daniel Enemark is the Chief Economist at the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center, leading research on regional challenges and policy priorities. He has extensive experience in behavioral economics, racial equity advocacy, and community service, with a strong academic background from UC Berkeley and UC San Diego.

Daniel Enemark

Chief Economist at the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center

Laura Flusche is the Executive Director of the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). She leads strategic initiatives to demonstrate how design can affect positive change. With a background in archaeology and arts administration, Laura has fostered MODA’s growth into a forward-thinking cultural institution.

Laura Flusche

Executive Director, Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

Lucas Foster is the General Manager of the World Creativity Organization and the Founder & CCO of the World Creativity Festival. He co-founded Katalista and Brasil Mais Criativo, advocating for creativity and innovation as catalysts for social and economic development.

Lucas Foster

Founder & CSO, World Creativity Organization

Adam J. Fowler is an economist and founding partner at CVL Economics, specializing in economic development and the creative economy. He advises on creative placemaking initiatives and talent pipeline strategies, serving on key councils and teaching at Fresno State University.

Adam Fowler

Founding Partner, CVL Economics

Jorge (Jofras) Francisco Sánchez is a visual artist and full-time professor at CETYS Universidad, specializing in social science. His research focuses on social and cultural processes, urban areas, and public space, and he actively engages with citizen movements at the US-Mexican border.

Jorge Francisco Sanchez

Professor, CETYS University

David Holland is the Deputy Director of Creative West, leading its advocacy, public policy, and professional development programs. He co-directs Washington’s Creative Economy Strategic Plan and has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including grantmaking, equity-focused programs, and national partnerships in the arts sector. He is a Salzburg Global Fellow.

David Holland

Deputy Director, Creative West (formerly WESTAF)

Jason Schupbach is the Dean of the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University. Formerly Director of the Design School at Arizona State University, he led the ReDesign.School project and oversaw creative placemaking initiatives at the National Endowment for the Arts.

Jason Schupbach

Dean of the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design, Drexel University

Dr. María Rosario Jackson

Chair, National Endowment for the Arts

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.

Neha Sharma

Senior Policy Designer, Policy Lab UK

Maria Villafranca is the Executive Director of CoDesign Collaborative, having served as Interim Executive Director since July 2022. With nearly two decades of experience in cultural innovation and social change, she has held leadership roles at institutions like the Andy Warhol Foundation and NYFA.

Maria Villafranca

Executive Director, CoDesign Collaborative

Georja Skinner serves as the Chief Officer of the State of Hawaii’s Creative Industries Division (CID), promoting and expanding Hawaii's creative economy. Under her leadership, CID advocates for the media and film industries, enhancing talent, infrastructure, and investment strategies across the creative sector.

Georja Skinner

Chief Officer, Hawai’i Creative Industries

Marco Werman

Host, The World

Beyond Innovation

Track Speakers

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.

Mai Thi Nguyen

Director, The Design Lab

Beyond Innovation Co-Chair

Dr. Constance Carroll is President of the California Community College Baccalaureate Association and Chancellor Emerita of the San Diego Community College District. A former president of three community colleges, she served on the National Humanities Council and the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

Constance Caroll

Former Chancellor, San Diego Community College District

Dr. Nikia Clarke is Senior Vice President at the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and Executive Director of World Trade Center San Diego. With nearly two decades of global economic development experience, she leads strategy, research, and global engagement initiatives across multiple sectors.

Nikia Clarke

Senior Vice President, San Diego Regional EDC

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.

Marty Cooper

Cellphone Inventor

Michael M. Crow is an educator, science and technology policy scholar, and knowledge enterprise architect. He became the 16th president of Arizona State University in 2002 and has led ASU’s rapid transformation as a model “New American University” dedicated to excellence, access, and social impact.

Michael M. Crow

President, Arizona State University

Brian D’Agostino, Vice President of Wildfire and Climate Science at SDG&E, leads wildfire mitigation, climate adaptation, and emergency management initiatives. A founding member of the AMS Wildfire Committee, he has pioneered advanced weather forecasting systems to improve community resilience in wildfire-prone regions.

Brian D'Agostino

Vice President, Wildfire and Climate Science, SDGE

Abby Deckert is a senior at Santana High School and leads the Youth v. Oil campaign, advocating to stop oil fracking in California. As a board member of SanDiego350, she rallies students for climate action, recently co-leading the 2023 Youth4Climate Earth Day Campaign.

Abby Deckert

SanDiego350 Board Member, Former Youth v. Oil Intern

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.

Maritza Diaz

CEO, ITijuana

Steven Dow, Professor at UC San Diego's Cognitive Science Department and the Design Lab, directs ProtoLab and co-founded Design for San Diego. His research focuses on human-computer interaction and collective intelligence, supported by NSF and Google. He holds degrees from Georgia Tech and University of Iowa.

Steven Dow

Professor, Cognitive Science Department, UC San Diego

Jexsi, a first-generation Jamaican American veteran, advocates for homelessness solutions in San Diego. With lived homeless experience and a background in Nuclear Munitions Systems Technology, he consults for TownspeopleSD, guiding policy advocacy, outreach, and housing efforts to support unhoused individuals and veterans.

Jexsi Grey

Board Member, Humble Design

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.

Mike Futrell

City Manager, Riverside, CA

Zabrina Johal directs strategic development at General Atomics, where she has spearheaded key defense and energy initiatives for both military and commercial clients. She began her career as a nuclear engineering officer in the U.S. Navy, leading Tomahawk Strike Operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom and making history as the first female officer on the USS Paul Hamilton. With a deep commitment to national security and smart energy policy, she is passionate about making intelligent and sustainable decisions for the electricity grid.

Zabrina Johal

Senior Director of Strategic Development, General Atomics

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.

Pradeep K. Khosla

Chancellor, UC San Diego

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.

Kyle Ledbetter

Former VP Design, Credo.Ai

Mark Meyer is President and CEO of the Filene Research Institute, where he transforms key research findings into innovative products for cooperative finance. An internationally recognized expert in consumer finance, he advises on financial wellness and has lectured globally, including at Harvard Business School.

Mark Meyer

President and CEO, Filene Research Institute

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.

Joseph Panetta

President and CEO, Biocom California

Dr. Corinne Peek-Asa is the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and a Distinguished Professor at UC San Diego. Since 2022, she has expanded the university’s research portfolio in climate, national security, and health, while focusing on traumatic injury prevention and violence research.

Corinne Peek-Asa

Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, UC San Diego

Albert P. Pisano is Dean of the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego and a renowned expert in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). A co-inventor on over 20 patents, Pisano's research focuses on MEMS manufacturing, wireless sensors for harsh environments, and sustainable technologies.

Albert P. Pisano

Dean, Jacobs School of Engineering

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.

Daniel J. Ryan

Senior Vice President, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

Daryn Tarasewicz, a freshman at Canyon Crest Academy, joined Youth v. Oil in 2023. She has engaged with government officials, planned events, and made public comments at city councils. A nature lover, Daryn aims to inspire the next generation to advocate for a fossil-free future.

Daryn Tarasewicz

Youth v. Oil Legislative Liaison, Youth4Climate350

Emma Weibel, a 17-year-old high school senior in San Diego, leads SanDiego350’s Youth v. Oil Campaign, organizing efforts to end fossil fuel reliance. She is also a plaintiff in Genesis v. EPA, challenging discriminatory policies, and is passionate about grassroots activism for climate justice.

Emma Weibel

Climate Activist and Plaintiff Genesis B. V. US EPA

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.

Lou Yongqi

Vice President, Tongji University

Beyond Health

Track Speakers

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.

Dr. Eliah Aronoff-Spencer

Professor of Medicine and Design and Director, Center 4 Health Design

Beyond Health 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.

Alex Jadad, MD DPhil LLD

Founder, Centre for Digital Therapeutics

Beyond Health Co-Chair

Tamen has worked in commercial strategy, business development, and management consulting, focusing on healthcare and technology. She collaborates with leaders to tackle industry challenges through data-driven innovation. Author of Healthy No Matter What, she’s been featured by TIME, McKinsey, and Fortune, and published Computational Management in 2024.

Tamen Jadad-Garcia

Partner, Vivenxia Healthcare Consulting

Beyond Health Co-Chair

Laura Adams, Senior Advisor at the National Academy of Medicine, leads AI and digital health initiatives, including the AI Code of Conduct project. She serves on international AI expert panels and multiple biotech boards, with extensive experience in healthcare quality improvement and multisectoral leadership.

Laura L. Adams

Senior Advisor, National Academy of Medicine

Dr. Rick Bright is an international expert in vaccine and therapeutic development. Former Director of BARDA and a member of Biden’s COVID-19 Advisory Board, he has led national security health efforts and advised organizations like the WHO and U.S. Department of Defense on biodefense.

Dr. Rick Bright

CEO, Pandemic Prevention Institute

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.

Shawna Butler RN, MBA

Managing Director, NextMed Health

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.

Linda Fischetti

Director, MITRE Health Innovation Center

Anika S. Heavener is Vice President of Innovation and Investments at The SCAN Foundation. With experience in venture capital and healthcare operations, she has led major initiatives in dementia care financing and digital health. Anika holds graduate degrees from Harvard Medical School and the University of Chicago.

Anika Heavener

Vice President of Innovation and Investments at The SCAN Foundation

Stu Heilsberg is Managing Partner of Notenda, a precision medicine consultancy. He specializes in commercializing high-growth precision medicine and digital health businesses, utilizing a market-driven approach. Stu holds a Bachelor's from MIT and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.

Stu Heilsberg

Managing Partner, Notenda

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.

Andrew Hessel

Founder, Humane Genomics Inc.

As Head of Research at Philips, Betsabeh drives breakthrough innovations and oversees global public-private partnerships. Her multidisciplinary career spans healthcare, biotech, cleantech, and agriculture, focusing on robotics, data, and AI. Betsabeh holds an MBA from Dartmouth, a Master's in Engineering, and degrees in Physics and Biochemistry.

Betsabeh Madadni-Herman

Head of Research, Philips

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.

Dr. Seema Shah

Interim Deputy Public Health Officer, County of San Diego

Dr. Steffanie Strathdee is an infectious disease epidemiologist and Harold Simon Distinguished Professor at UC San Diego. Known for her research on HIV and substance use, she has over 600 publications and co-authored The Perfect Predator, a memoir about reviving phage therapy.

Dr. Steffanie Strathdee

Co-Director, Center for Innovative Phage Applications & Therapeutics (IPATH)

Danica Vallone is CEO of Red Hen Industries, a queer, female-owned fabrication firm specializing in film, retail, and large-scale experiential activations. She co-founded the Organization for Space Medicine, Engineering, and Design (OSMED) and serves as Creative Director for Global Effects in space-related filmmaking.

Danica Vallone

CEO, Making Space

Dr. Catheryn Yashar is Chief of Women’s Breast Radiation Services and Chief Medical Officer at UC San Diego Health. A specialist in women’s cancer care, her research focuses on advancing cancer technology. She also serves on key boards for Radiation Oncology and Health Policy.

Dr. Catheryn Yashar

Chief Medical Officer, UC San Diego Health

The HI-RES Experience

Design Policy by Day – Play by Night

We’re delighted to announce our collaboration with Hi-Res, bringing an unexpected playful twist to policy.

Hi[gh]-Res[ilience] is an untethered unpolicy unconference of surprise, culture and music nested within the World Design Capital Design Policy Conference 2024 in San Diego USA / Tijuana Mexico. It’s a shot in the arm of joy and a glimpse at how we build thriving societies where people live in balance between their dreams and their debt to a shared earth by tapping into our natural superpowers of curiosity, art, play, collaboration and love.

These immersive day-time and night-time experiences from Hi-Res energize the mind and body, creating a positive environment where bold thinking and collaboration thrive. Rooted in the values of World Design Capital 2024, Hi-Res and 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.

Evening Performances: 7:00pm – 10:30pm

Youth Symphony | Lucha Libre Act 1 | Lucha Libre Act 2 | DJ Jesus Rojo (TJ) Mafondo

Co-producers: Michèle Morris, Danica Vallone, Eliah Aronoff-Spencer

Executive producer: Eliah Aronoff-Spencer

Sponsored by: UC San Diego Center 4 Health Design, UC San Diego Office of Innovation and Commercialization, UC San Diego Design Lab, Resilient Collective