About Me
I am a storyteller, designer, and strategist with a passion for helping others.
As a communications specialist turned designer, I excel at understanding user needs and delivering innovative solutions for hard-to-solve social problems.
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Currently, I'm part of the tribe at Gapingvoid Culture Design Group where I work at the intersection of our consulting and creative teams, helping our clients find greater meaning, connection, and purpose at work.
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Throughout my career, I've designed and launched large-scale international experiences, developed communication and marketing strategies, led extensive user research efforts, and designed curricula through my work at the Crop Trust, Feeding America, the MIT Media Lab, and Bring It Food Hub. This work has been one big adventure, which has brought me from Bonn to Boston to the North Pole and many places in between.
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I hold a Master of Science in Engineering and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce and Business from Rhodes College. I've also been awarded fellowships for food, agriculture, and social impact work in Cambridge, Dublin, Memphis, and Valdez.
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I'm at my best when collaborating with people from different backgrounds. My superpowers include: empathizing with users and centering their wisdom, creative storytelling, designing meaningful gatherings, building partnerships, and bringing order to chaos.
You’ll see a common thread in much of my work – food. Growing up in rural Mississippi - the most food-insecure state in the country, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of poverty, food insecurity, and poor health outcomes in my own family and within my greater community, particularly for young people. These experiences shaped my early career trajectory and continue to fuel my desire to make the world better.
I'm now exploring transformation challenges through the lens of design and culture. Put them together, and I believe we have the tools for reimagining our currently broken systems.
My Superpowers
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Collaborate. Chat. Consult.
If you'd like to chat, please email me at cierradmartin@gmail.com or use the form below.