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Megan Freund

Designer + Design Researcher

Professional Background

Megan Freund is a talented and innovative Designer, Researcher, and Educator based in Oakland, California. With a strong focus on design's crucial role in social justice education, Megan leverages her extensive knowledge and experience to promote equitable access to learning opportunities for all. Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, she co-creates impactful solutions that not only address immediate needs but also foster long-term community growth and empowerment. With a diverse background in various education and consulting roles, Megan has established herself as a dedicated advocate for design thinking and participatory practices.

Megan's career has taken her through several dynamic organizations, where she has honed her skills in strategic design and educational facilitation. As a Senior Consultant and Design Strategist at Deloitte, she collaborates with clients to develop innovative strategies that harness the power of design for meaningful change. Her previous roles, including Graduate Student Instructor, Design Research Assistant, and Student Experience Designer, reflect her commitment to fostering educational excellence and engaging community members in the design process.

In her earlier positions at Uber and Airbnb, Megan demonstrated her ability to create engaging and effective learning experiences. As a Community Operations Manager at Uber, she ensured that community voices were heard and integrated into operational strategies. Similarly, during her time as Learning Experience Designer at Airbnb, she employed design principles to create accessible and enriching learning environments.

Education and Achievements

Megan Freund's educational journey has laid a strong foundation for her career in design and education. She earned her Master of Design (MDes) degree in Integrative Design from the University of Michigan, where she explored innovative approaches to addressing social issues through design. This rigorous program equipped her with the tools to integrate multiple disciplines into her design practice, fostering a holistic understanding of the complexities involved in effecting change.

Prior to her master's degree, Megan completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in French Language and Literature, as well as Art History (Honors) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This interdisciplinary educational background has enabled her to appreciate the intersection of language, culture, and art, further enriching her design practice. Her studies extended beyond the United States, as she also studied French Language and Literature and Art History at the Université de Provence Aix-Marseille in France, solidifying her bilingual abilities and cultural competency.

In addition to her formal education, Megan has amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge throughout her diverse career. She has held various instructional and facilitation roles, which have allowed her to further refine her ability to engage different audiences effectively. Her teaching experience has been instrumental in understanding the interactive nature of design education and how to empower learners to realize their potential.

Notable Achievements

Throughout her career, Megan Freund has achieved recognition for her contributions in design and community engagement. Her dedication to participatory design practices sets her apart as an advocate for social justice and inclusivity in the educational landscape. By collaborating with various community stakeholders, Megan has successfully fostered environments where voices are valued and empowered.

As a thought leader in the integration of design and social justice education, Megan's work continues to inspire others in her field. Her passion for implementing design strategies to address social inequalities has led her to explore innovative solutions for various educational contexts, contributing to an expanded understanding of access and equity in learning.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Megan's commitment to lifelong learning positions her as an evolving leader in her field. Her pursuit of new knowledge and skills enables her to stay ahead of trends in design and education, ensuring that her approaches remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world. Megan Freund is indeed a shining example of how design can serve as a catalyst for meaningful social change, and her portfolio stands as a testament to her skills and dedication to improving community well-being.

Related Questions

How did Megan Freund develop her keen interest in design and social justice education?
In what ways has Megan collaborated with stakeholders to enhance community empowerment through design?
What innovative strategies has Megan Freund implemented at Deloitte to promote equitable access to education?
How has Megan’s educational background shaped her approach to design and community engagement?
What impact has Megan Freund had in her previous roles on student experience and learning environments?
Megan Freund
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Location

San Francisco Bay Area