Community Engagement
My work in community engagement centers around fostering connections and support within diverse communities. I have successfully organized events that bring people together, such as the 'Manicure Mixer,' which promotes wellness and collaboration among Black service providers and community members. My approach involves understanding the unique needs of the community and designing programs that create meaningful interactions. My commitment to community engagement is rooted in the belief that the process of design and design research should be reflective of the community the design outcome aims to serve.
Manicure Mixer: Design Lessons from a Black Beauty Salon
In a world where multiple world views are accepted, a unique opportunity arises, one where the richness of multiple worlds can thrive. This envisioned world is one of Pluriversalism — where multiple ways of being and world-building are embraced — marking a definitive shift from a singular, dominant design paradigm. It's a space where communities and cultures, particularly those marginalized or sidelined, reclaim their narratives and their power to design life stories that resonate with their unique identities.
The City of Vancouver Community Placemaking Program
The Manicure Mixer was a vibrant community-driven event organized in Vancouver as part of the City of Vancouver's Community Placemaking Program. This initiative aims to foster community engagement through grants provided to individuals and organizations interested in creating inclusive spaces and events that bring people together.
The event, initiated by me, was designed to celebrate, empower, and uplift the Black community by offering a platform for Black women and service providers to connect and collaborate in a way that was culturally resonant with the Black community.