Design Minds: Journeys to Leadership Excellence

​A thought-provoking discussion on leading community, innovation, and "Wicked Problems."

​In our final session of the 2026 Leadership Lab speaker series, we explore the expanding boundaries of the design discipline. What does it look like to lead when the "product" is a community or a solution to a "wicked" global challenge? The MassArt Design Innovation program welcomes Lauren Yanko and Nicole Nassif to discuss the evolution of leadership in emerging spaces. We'll explore their experiences building creative confidence in new ventures and applying design-led strategy to challenges that span community identity, cultural storytelling, and the shifting future of design itself.

​Featured Speakers:

• ​Lauren Yanko: A human-centered design leader, formerly Manager of Community Strategy & Design for New Ventures at Tripadvisor, with experience spanning marketplace platforms, accessibility, and regulated environments - plus, community building across local and national contexts within AIGA.

• ​Nicole Nassif: Former Senior Envisioner at Other Tomorrows and multidisciplinary designer whose work spans industrial design, brand strategy, and experience design, translating human insights into inclusive, purposeful products, spaces, and futures.