Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

25% Off Limited Time Only Use Code: DESIGN24

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.

800 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101

November 12th 8am-10.30pm, November 13th 8am-4.30pm

Event Sponsors

Year Long Sponsors

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

Mike Chapman is the director of MWC Media, co-director of MWC Productions US, and co-founder of the ByDesign brand. With over 35 years of creating television content, Mike is a respected, international design commentator with his onscreen insights and storytelling enjoyed by millions on CBS, Channel 10 and other syndicated platforms.

Mike Chapman

Co-founder, ByDesign

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

Abe Tomás Hughes is committed to promoting contemporary art and culture across Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Diego. Passionate about multicultural and global themes, he believes the arts can transform societies by fostering dialogue, understanding, and economic growth, while enriching communities through education and joy.

Abe Hughes

Commissioner of Arts and Culture, City of San Diego

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

Grant Oliphant is the CEO of Prebys Foundation, where he leads efforts to enhance community well-being through strategic philanthropy. Previously, he served as president of The Heinz Endowments, driving significant initiatives in education, health, and the arts.

Grant Oliphant

CEO, Prebys Foundation

Chris is Vice President of Programs at the Prebys Foundation, overseeing grantmaking in youth workforce development, health initiatives, and nonprofit capacity building. With over 30 years of leadership in San Diego, he’s a former CEO of the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation and Make-A-Wish San Diego, and a past San Diego Rotary Club President.

Chris Sichel

Vice President of Programs, Prebys Foundation

Olivia Vereha is the Director of Product of Commit Global, leading the development of digital solutions that reshape humanitarian intervention, build capacity and empower all actors working in support of the most disadvantaged of groups. Her current focus is training new generations of designers for humanity.

Olivia Vereha

Co-founder, Commit Global

Bogdan Ivanel is the Founder of Commit Global, the place where the vision of a globally shared digital infrastructure for good comes to life. Commit Global’s mission is to consolidate tech for good efforts from around the world to put technology at work for NGOs and the most vulnerable of all.

Bogdan Ivanel

Co-founder, Commit Global

Carrie Sawyer is the CEO of Diversity by Design, US, a firm dedicated to helping organizations build diverse, inclusive cultures. With expertise in organizational strategy and talent development, she leads initiatives that drive equity, innovation, and sustainable change in the workplace.

Carrie Sawyer

CEO, Diversity by Design, US 

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

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.
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.

Sherry White

Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives

Institute of the Americas

Beyond Borders Co-Chair

Ambassador Martha Bárcena Coqui is a distinguished Mexican diplomat with over 40 years of service. She’s held ambassadorial roles in the U.S., Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Central Asia. A scholar and author, she’s also a board director and Senior Advisor at CSIS.

Ambassador Martha Bárcena Coqui

Former Amb. of Mexico to U.S. & Sr. Advisor, Americas Program

Track Keynote

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

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.

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

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

Teddy Cruz and Fonna Forman are Professors at UC San Diego, renowned for research on climate justice, borders, and participatory urbanization. Together, they lead UCSD’s Community Stations, engaging the San Diego-Tijuana region to advance urban policy, housing, and public space. Their work is globally exhibited.

Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman

Principals, Estudio Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman

Justin Falconer, CEO of Workforce WindsorEssex, has over 20 years’ experience in government, community engagement, and workforce development. Since joining in 2016, he’s expanded Workforce WindsorEssex’s WE Data Tools platform, enhancing job search and workforce planning. He previously served in senior Ontario government roles.

Justin Falconer

CEO, Workforce WindsorEssex

Rafael Fernández de Castro, a leading expert on U.S.-Mexican relations, directs UC San Diego's Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies and formerly chaired ITAM’s Department of International Studies. An advisor to President Calderón and prolific author, he researches community-based security in violence-affected Mexican cities.

Rafael Fernandez de Castro

Director, UC San Diego Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies

Wendy Fry, Investigative Reporter at CalMatters, has covered Tijuana, Baja California, and border issues for over a decade. Formerly at NBC7 and the San Diego Union-Tribune, she’s received the Sol Price Award and Golden Watchdog Award. Wendy is also Vice President of SD Society of Professional Journalists.

Wendy Fry

Investigative Reporter, CalMatters

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

Lawrence Herzog, Ph.D., is a Lecturer at UC San Diego's Department of Urban Studies & Planning and Design Scholar in the UCSD Design Lab. He co-hosts the “Whose City” podcast on cross-border urban issues. An expert in urban planning, Herzog has authored 11 books and taught globally.

Lawrence Herzog

Lecturer, Department of Urban Studies & Planning, UC San Diego

Born in the City of Tijuana, Baja California, with a dual Degree in International Business from CETYS University and San Diego State University, being the first graduate of the MEXUS binational double degree program, as well as intern for the US Mexico Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC.

Carlos Jaramillo

President, Consejo Coordinador Empresarial-Tijuana

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.

Maria-Elena Giner

Commissioner, United States International Boundary and Water Commission

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.

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

Wellington "Duke" Reiter is a renowned urban planner, architect, and educator. He is a former executive director of the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and has held leadership roles in urban design and community development. Reiter advocates for sustainable, inclusive urban transformation.

Wellington "Duke" Reiter

Special Advisor to the President of Arizona State University (ASU)

He is a geographer from the University of Guadalajara, a specialist in remote sensing from the National Institute of Space Research, Brazil, a master in comprehensive environmental administration and a doctor in social sciences with a specialty in social anthropology.

Juan Manuel Rodríguez Esteves

Professor, Department of Urban and Environmental Studies, Colegio de la Frontera Norte (COLEF)

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.

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)

Mr. Stakes, Deputy Executive Director at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, has over 20 years of experience advancing mission support for 32,000 personnel across field offices and ports. A leader in operational innovation, he launched programs enhancing efficiency, staffing transparency, and workforce development.

Donald Stakes

Executive Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)

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

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

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

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

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

Beyond Creative

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

Felipe Buitrago, an economics graduate from the University of the Andes with a master's in international public policy from Johns Hopkins-SAIS, co-authored *The Orange Economy* and *The No Collar Economy*. With 16 years in the creative economy, he has held key roles at CCIT, IDB, ODAI, and the British Council.

Felipe Buitrago

Associate consultant, Andrew Senior Associates Ltd

Matt D’Arrigo has over 20 years of experience advocating for the arts and youth. As Director of Creative Youth Development at the Clare Rose Foundation and Co-Founder of The Clare Rose Center in San Diego, he ensures access to resources and opportunities for young people.

Matt D’Arrigo

Director of Creative Youth Development, Clare Rose Foundation

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

As a filmmaker and photographer, Lucy brings her love of storytelling to her work. With over 15 years in impact-driven spaces working across programs, advancement, and operations, she supports growth trajectories for initiatives alongside school, community, and civic partners. Lucy is passionate about working with youth and communities to bring big ideas to life.

Lucy Eagleson

ARTS Interim Executive Director

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 co-founder and general manager of the World Creativity Organization and creator of World Creativity Day, celebrated in over 120 cities. He promotes creativity for innovation and sustainable development through initiatives like CLP Certification, World Creativity Festival, and the Creative Brazil Award.

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

George Gachara is the founding partner of HEVA Fund LLP, a board member, and a passionate advocate for creatives. With a background in film and communications, he’s invested in over 100 projects across Africa, raised Sh1 billion, and supported education through initiatives like the Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund.

George Gachara

Honorary Entrepreneurship Fellow, Goldsmiths, University of London

David Graham is a seasoned local government advisor with experience in San Diego’s County and City governments and the private sector. As DCOO for the Office of Neighborhood Services, he leads civic innovation projects, including Smart Cities, CleanTECH, and climate tech initiatives.

David Graham

Policy Designer-in-Residence, The Design Lab, UC San Diego, Global Civic Innovation Fellow, Harvard TECH

Joan, CEO of Intersection-Inc, specializes in human-centered design for global organizations. A founding board member of the Design Forward Alliance, she advocates for the World Design Capital 2024. Passionate about education, she leads workshops on design thinking and travels extensively, integrating cultural insights into her work.

Joan Gregor

CEO and Founder, Intersection-Inc

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)

María Rosario Jackson

Chair, National Endowment for the Arts

Prof. Dr. Felix Kosok is a graphic designer and design researcher based in Berlin and Frankfurt. A member of Bureau069, he is a former DDC board member and currently a professor of Communication Design at German International University. He leads design discourse for World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026.

Felix Kosok

Project Lead Design Discourse, World Design Capital Frankfurt 2026

Michael Krichman is Executive Director of INSITE, fostering public art projects in the San Diego/Tijuana region and Mexico City. Previously, he co-founded Quint Krichman Projects and worked at Latham & Watkins. Carmen Cuenca directs INSITE Proyectos de Arte AC, with extensive leadership roles in Mexican art institutions.

Michael Krichman + Carmen Cuenca

Executive Directors of INSITE + INSITE Proyectos de Arte AC

Dr. Shyhnan Liou is a distinguished professor at the Institute of Creative Industries Design, National Cheng Kung University. He also serves as the Vice President of R&D at the Taiwan Design Research Institute. Additionally, he has been honored with the title of Honorary Professor by The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Shyhnan Liou

Vice President of Research and Development, Taiwan Design Research Institute

Rhea Matute is the Executive Director of the Design Center of the Philippines, where she leads initiatives to promote Filipino design and innovation. With expertise in design strategy and development, she advocates for sustainable, culturally relevant solutions that elevate the global profile of Philippine design.

Rhea Matute

Executive Director, Design Center Of The Philippines

Michèle Morris is the Associate Director of The Design Lab at UC San Diego, founder and former President of the Design Forward Alliance, and a chief architect and former Chief Design Officer of the winning bid for San Diego-Tijuana World Design Capital 2024. She is passionate about human-centered design, strategic leadership, value-add negotiations, and high-impact innovation.

Michèle Morris

Associate Director, The UC San Diego Design Lab

John is co-founder and first Chair of Creative England, an agency supporting independent creative businesses. A veteran of the film, TV, and theatre industries, he helped define and value the creative industries in the 1990s. He chairs the Global Creative Economy Council and is the Mayor of London's Ambassador for the creative economy.

John Newbigin

Mayor of London’s Ambassador for the creative Economy

Diana Robinson leads Robinson Design, a boutique strategic Design studio in Baja California, and serves as an Associate Professor at CETYS University, directing its Center of Excellence in Competitiveness. She holds degrees in Graphic Design, Marketing, and a Doctorate in Business, focusing on social business and Indigenous women’s empowerment.

Diana Robinson

Design strategist and Educator, CETYS Universidad

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

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

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

Dalouge Smith co-founded The Lewis Prize for Music in 2018, a $20 million initiative supporting music-focused Creative Youth Development organizations. Previously, he led San Diego Youth Symphony, restoring music education for 40,000 students. Smith holds a BA in World Arts and Cultures from UCLA and is passionate about equitable systems change.

Dalogue Smith

CEO, The Lewis Prize for Music

Brandon Steppe advocates for opportunity youth in San Diego through Creative Youth Development at The David’s Harp Foundation (TDHF). Founded in 2007, TDHF uses the platform of music and media production to earn mentoring relationships with over 500 Opportunity Youth annually.

Brandon Steppe

Founder & Executive Director, The David’s Harp Foundation

Maria Villafranca is the Executive Director of CoDesign Collaborative (formerly Design Museum Everywhere). She has worked at the intersection of design, innovation, and social change for the past two decades and has held leadership roles at NYFA and The Warhol Foundation. She is based in Philadelphia.

Maria Villafranca

Executive Director, CoDesign Collaborative

Michelle Drousé Woodhouse is an award-winning leader with 23 years of international experience across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. As Design Strategist for the World Design Capital 2024 project, she has also led initiatives in AI, sustainability, and education, utilizing her expertise in human-centered design throughout her career.

Michelle Drousé Woodhouse

Human-Centered Design Strategist

Jessica Hanson York is the Executive Director & CEO of Mingei International Museum, a museum of folk art, craft and design located in Balboa Park. She also teaches graduate courses in arts and culture leadership at the University of San Diego and is the current board president for the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership.

Jessica York

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mingei International Museum

Beyond Innovation

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 InnovationChair

Edward L. Abeyta, PhD, is Associate Dean for Education and Community Outreach at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Specializing in lifelong learning and the intersection of education, workforce development, and global communities, he is dedicated to transforming education and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Edward Abeyta

Associate Dean of Extended Studies, UC San Diego

Dr. İlkay Altıntaş is a research scientist at UC San Diego, Chief Data Science Officer at the San Diego Supercomputer Center, and Founding Director of the WIFIRE Lab. A leader in wildfire solutions, she has received numerous awards and serves on the IEEE Computer Society Board of Governors.

Ilkay Altintas

Chief Data Science Officer, San Diego Supercomputer Center

Chris Anthony, former Chief Deputy Director of CAL FIRE, oversaw fire protection, resource management, and strategic initiatives critical to wildfire resiliency and community preparedness. Since retiring, he works to connect innovative technologies with the wildfire community, aiming to protect lives and ensure resilient landscapes.

Chris Anthony

Former Chief Deputy Director, CAL FIRE

Omar is CEO of U3 Advisors, leading a team specializing in real estate, urban design, planning, and economics to help communities thrive. Since 2007, U3 has revitalized neighborhoods in Detroit, Memphis, College Park, and Chicago, with a focus on the "third space" between universities and their urban settings.

Omar Blaik

CEO, U3 Advisors

Eden Brukman is Chief of the San Diego County Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice, with 20+ years of sustainability leadership. A licensed architect and LEED Fellow, she previously worked with the San Francisco Environment Department and is committed to advancing climate justice and environmental equity in the region.

Eden Brukman

Chief Sustainability Officer, County of San Diego

Jorge Cabrera Jiménez is a leader in sustainability and environmental policy, with expertise in climate action and urban development. With a focus on driving sustainable growth, he advocates for innovative solutions to address environmental challenges, while fostering community engagement and collaboration across sectors.

Jorge Cabrera Jiménez

Advisor to former CEO of Mexico’s National Workers Housing Fund Institute

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

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

Former Youth v. Oil Campaign lead & SanDiego350 Board Member

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

Associate Professor, UC San Diego Cognitive Science Department

Bill Fulton, FAICP, is a leading expert on land use, economic development, and urban planning. Former Mayor of Ventura and Director of Planning for San Diego, he has authored eight books and serves as a Senior Advisor and Professor. He was named one of Planetizen’s Top 100 Urban Thinkers.

Bill Fulton

Professor of Practice, UC San Diego

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

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

Zabrina Johal directs strategic development at General Atomics, leading defense and energy initiatives for military and commercial clients. A former U.S. Navy nuclear officer, she made history on the USS Paul Hamilton. Committed to national security, she champions sustainable, intelligent electricity grid solutions.

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

Jessica King is a senior executive at Alexandria Real Estate, specializing in real estate strategy, development, and operations. With extensive experience in the life sciences and innovation sectors, she drives initiatives that foster sustainable growth, community engagement, and cutting-edge workspaces for high-impact industries.

Jessica King

Senior Vice President – Chief Branding Officer, Alexandria Real Estate

Todd Lane, MBA, is President and CEO of California Coast Credit Union, overseeing $3.5 billion in assets since 2014. Previously CFO, he has over 30 years in financial services. An active board member, he supports education through the Cal Coast Cares Foundation and serves on the board of Velera. He holds degrees from San Diego State University and Pepperdine University.

Todd Lane

Former chancellor of the San Diego Community College District

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

Noerena Limón is CEO of the Casita Coalition, addressing the national housing crisis through middle housing. She is also a Governor Newsom appointee to the California Housing Finance Agency. Previously, she was EVP at NAHREP and worked at the CFPB and Obama’s White House. She holds degrees from UC Berkeley and Harvard Kennedy School.

Noerena Limón

Chief Executive Officer, Casita Coalition

Anthony is a fire scientist and software developer at the New Mexico Consortium, working on the FastFuels data platform to support next-generation fire modeling. A former wildland firefighter, he participates in prescribed fire operations in Montana. Outside of work, he enjoys running, skiing, biking, and playing bluegrass banjo.

Anthony Marcozzi

Fire scientist and software developer, the New Mexico Consortium

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

Roman Meyer Falcon is an architect with a master’s degree in Creative Management and City Transformation from the Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña. Specializing in sustainable urban planning, he co-authored Land, City, and Housing (2024) and led over 1,260 urban renewal projects as Minister of Urban Development in Mexico.

Roman Meyer Falcón

Mexico’s Former Minister for Urban Development

Dr. Mark David Milliron is President of National University, one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the U.S. An award-winning leader, author, and speaker, he works with educational institutions, corporations, and government agencies globally. Mark serves on multiple boards supporting education, including Trellis Foundation and AICCU.

Mark Milliron

President of National University

Nader Moghaddam is CEO of Financial Partners CU, overseeing 93,000 members and $2.3 billion in assets. With 41 years in financial services, he holds degrees from USC and serves on multiple industry boards. Previously EVP at Kinecta FCU and VP at Great Western Bank, he specializes in culture change and strategic planning.

Nader Moghaddam

CEO, Financial Partners Credit Union

Jennifer Nations is Managing Director of the UC San Diego Homelessness Hub, leading initiatives to address homelessness through research, collaboration, and community engagement. With expertise in policy development and social impact, she drives innovative solutions to support vulnerable populations in the San Diego region.

Jennifer Nations

Managing Director, Homelessness Hub

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.

Ms. Reznic leads strategic initiatives at Valley Strong Credit Union, overseeing Marketing, Technology, and Digital Transformation. With 25 years in financial services, including roles at JPMorgan and in Fintech, she specializes in DEI and analytics. A Cornell graduate, she serves on multiple boards and enjoys golf, tennis, and the arts.

Mirella Reznic

EVP / Chief Strategy Officer
Valley Strong Credit Union

Wesley G. Ruise Jr. is a third-generation wildland firefighter and Fire Chief of the La Jolla Reservation Fire Department. A Tribal Member of Luiseño, Digueño, and Mojave descent, he dedicated over three decades to the U.S. Forest Service and 38 years to the Reservation's fire services.

Wesley Ruise, Jr.

Fire Chief, La Jolla Reservation Fire Department

Diego Sandoval is a 16-year-old Junior at Eastlake High School in San Diego and President of his 2026 graduating class. He leads fundraising efforts, manages campus food recollection and composting, and drives a clothes upcycling initiative. A passionate member of San Diego 350’s Youth V. Oil, he aims to empower his community.

Diego Sandoval

YVO member

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

Nivardo Valenzuela is a transdisciplinary creative producer with a passion for films, photography, nature, the sea, housing & transportation issues, sustainability and menswear fashion.

Nivardo Valenzuela

Administrative Officer, UC San Diego Design Lab

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

Jonathan Woldemariam

Director of Wildfire Mitigation, SDGE

David Woodhouse is Vice President of Nissan Design America, overseeing Nissan and INFINITI design in North America. With 30+ years of experience, he has worked with brands like Lincoln, Cadillac, and BMW. An automotive enthusiast, he also collects and competes in vintage race cars. David holds a Master of Design from the Royal College of Art.

David Woodhouse

Vice President, Nissan Design America

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.

Yongqi Lou

Vice President, Tongji University

Beyond Health

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.

Eliah Aronoff-Spencer

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

Beyond Health 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

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

Founder, Centre for Digital Therapeutics

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 Adams

Senior Advisor, National Academy of Medicine

A champion of equitable health innovation ecosystems, Ms. Bennett works at the intersection of global health tech, public health policy, and social justice. Her background spans from big tech to large NGO service delivery programs, from pandemic response to federal policymaking. She holds an MHS from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and a BA in Political Science from Wellesley College.

Ashley Bennett

Health Technology Policy Lead, Meta

David Brin

Scientist and Author

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

Managing Director, NextMed Health

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.

Daniel Kraft is a Stanford and Harvard-trained physician-scientist and innovator, founder and chair of NextMed Health. With over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, biomedical research, and healthcare innovation, he also founded Exponential Medicine in 2011 and chairs Medicine at Singularity University.

Daniel Kraft

Founder & Chair, NextMed Health

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. 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.

Steffanie Strathdee

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

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.

Seema Shah

Interim Deputy Public Health Officer, County of San Diego

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.

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 Performance on Day 1 (Nov 12th): 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Youth Symphony | Lucha Libre Act 1 | Lucha Libre Act 2 | DJ Jesus Rojo

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