The Decolonizing Design Coalition, incubated by RSA US, is proud to introduce the global volunteers that have joined as Coalition Members.
Modeled on the Living Change Approach, the coalition is set up as three concentric participation rings: Members, Champions, and Partners. Members have been engaged in co-creating the coalition's manifesto and sourcing global examples of successful efforts to decolonize the ethos of the design field. These examples will be distilled into a set of principles that will provide a starting point for future decolonization efforts.
Under the co-leadership of Jadalia "Jada" Britto and Vanessa "Ve" Dewey FRSA, the Coalition Members are:
Salina Almanzar (US)
Salina is a Photography and Printmaking Technician at her undergraduate alma mater, Franklin & Marshall College. Additionally she is co-initiator, artist, and project manager of the seed projects, as well as founder and lead artist of Taller Pa'lante. She is based in Pennsylvania.
Stephen Ang, FRSA (US)
Stephen is co-founder and director of Light Perspectives, as well as a long time teacher/instructor of Visual Communication at places like the Parsons School of Design, and the School of International Art Beijing + Shanghai. Stephen is based in Colorado.
Sarah Campbell, FRSA (UK)
Sarah is Associate Director for Arts and Culture at the University of Exeter. She joined from the Victoria and Albert Museum, having worked extensively in museum and gallery education developing public engagement programmes and projects for a broad range of audiences, with a focus on visual art and design.
Cat Drew, FRSA (UK)
Cat is the chief design officer at the Design Council "where she brings together architecture and the built environment, public sector design and business innovation to support people live healthier, happier and safer lives." She is based in the London area.
Rama Gheerawo (UK)
Rama is the director of the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design where "he uses design to address society’s toughest issues from ageing and healthcare, to ability and diversity." He is based in the London area.
Bernard Hay FRSA (UK)
Bernard Hay is a researcher, curator and educator working across contemporary design. He is Head of Research and Design Practice at the Design Council, the UK’s national strategic advisor on design. He is also an Associate Lecturer in critical theory and social innovation at University of the Arts London.
Safia Ann Kukaswadia (UK)
Safia Ann Kukaswadia is spirited diversity, equity and inclusion expert. Safia is committed to supporting underrepresented communities and collaborates with brands and leaders across the fashion, retail and creative industries to influence and advise on DE&I initiatives and relevant implementation. She is also a founding member and lead for the British Fashion Council‘s D&I Steering Committee.
Lynette Pope (US)
Lynette is a global design manager at Colgate-Palmolive. She is based in Georgia.
Jason Schupbach (US)
Jason is dean of the Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University. Jason is based in Pennsylvania.
Natasha Trotman, FRSA (UK)
Natasha is an Equality Designer, Consultant and Researcher whose work focuses on mental difference as a way to foster new conversations and approaches to the world around us; examining different ways of experiencing worlds. Natasha is an Artist in residence at Somerset House, Studio 48 based in the UK.