DESIGNING FOR EMPATHY® SUMMIT & WORKSHOPS - 2023

Niloufar is a multi-disciplinary experiential graphic designer who rethinks the role of visual communication in the built environment. Having recently accomplished a Master of Fine Arts in Design from the esteemed University of California Davis, Nilou stands at the forefront of her profession. She has recently achieved the 2023 SEGD Global Merit award. With a passion for creating positive social impact, Nilou's research delves into the transformative power of participation in projects that drive social change. She is interested in community-based design and sparking people's interactions. Nilou aims to enhance visual communication in the physical surroundings and help create meaningful experiences that connect with the intended audience. By seamlessly blending her artistic prowess with her unwavering commitment to impactful design, Nilou endeavors to leave an indelible mark on the field of Experiential Graphic Design.

Caroline Siavichay is a designer and storyteller based in New York City. Her work explores the intersection of design, education, connection and culture. Her background is in theatre performance and she received a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also spent this past summer as an exhibit design intern at the National Museum of the American Indian, where she learned about best practices when designing for cultural heritage institutions. Caroline is passionate about audience connection and the way that storytelling creates bonds by highlighting our common humanity. She is currently enrolled in FIT’s graduate Exhibition and Experience Design program and is looking forward to bringing her creativity and sharp skill sets into the professional setting full time. In her free time, Caroline enjoys reading all types of fiction, finding new recipes to cook and spending time with her incredible husband. She also enjoys writing her own stories when she can find a quiet moment!

Jace Son is a graduate student in the Master's program in Exhibition and Experience Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She is a multidisciplinary designer based in New York who specializes in pop-up, retail, exhibition, and experimental design. She holds an AAS in Fashion Design, which gives her a greater understanding and appreciation of branding and upcoming fashion trends. Her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Spatial Experience Design has enhanced her knowledge of visual elements and exhibitions. It has motivated her to create spaces, experiences, and visuals for sharing art with diverse audiences. The combination of these degrees has given her a broad perspective and a keen eye, enabling her to design with precision for clients.

D. Villella is a design professional in New York City currently pursuing their Masters of Exhibition and Experience Design at Fashion Institute of Technology. They have a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from FIT, and have been practicing as a credentialed Interior Designer in the healthcare and education space for over a decade. D. has a passion for forward-thinking, innovative, and human-centric design that works toward a just and equitable future for our planet, and specializes in design for equity, with emphasis on social justice and design for the Queer community. Their work in advocacy and education for the interior design profession brought them here, combining their passions for design, empathy, and social justice.