The No-Frills Version
I’m a Design Lead at IDEO.org, a design studio on a mission to build a more just and inclusive world. I work at the intersection of writing, brand, and design strategy.

For years, I ran IDEO.org’s editorial strategy and now work on the consulting side, where I lead multidisciplinary teams (read: engineers, designers, anthropologists) in designing brands, services, and experiences that foster joy, clarity, and belonging. Some of my recent projects include an impact report that doesn’t look the part and a justice reform brand that unites left and right.

Prior to IDEO.org, I worked as a copywriter at a startup called The Grommet where I wrote video and website content for over 250 product launches. On any given day, I could be researching companion planting, testing a sleep lamp, or teaching myself a math game so I could explain it to others.

The Subjective Version
I was born in Colombia to an Iranian artist and an American English teacher. Besides breeding an interesting identity crisis, my upbringing rooted me in two languages (English and Spanish) and two other languages (images and words).

I studied communication theory and film at Boston College. As an undergrad, I wrote a monthly column for the college paper called ‘Sober Emily’, TA-ed two of my favorite classes (film production and rhetorical tradition), and directed a documentary about an artistic lab in Cuba. My biggest dream is to write a coming of age film.

What’s Emily’s mundane superpower?
Knowing Shakira’s entire discography from before she was blonde.

What’s on Emily’s nightstand these days?
A Little Devil in America