“When I was taught graphic design, the focus was on a consumer-based approach. Sixteen years later, I realized I want to design with people to empower communities.”
– Laura Silva
WHAT IS SOCIAL INNOVATION?
Efforts that lead to the creation of change that positively improves society and/or the planet.
Laura Silva, MASI
WHAT IS SOCIAL INNOVATION?
Efforts that lead to the creation of change that positively improves society and/or the planet.
Laura has dedicated more than a decade to executing both print and digital visual communication. Her portfolio includes an impressive list of design elements including statewide media campaigns, political promotions, as well as the production of the Las Vegas “Key to the City”. After receiving her Bachelor’s in Graphic Design from San Diego State University, Laura returned to school to meet the digital environment demands and attained a certification in Strategic Online Marketing from the University of San Diego. It was after becoming a Managing Member at M.Y.S. in 2016 that she discovered her passion to provide visual communication that created positive social impact. As a result, she again returned to school and earned her Master of Arts in Social Innovation (MASI) from the University of San Diego, Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies.
Her graduate studies focused on the root problems that cause disadvantaged communities to lack resources. From this, Ms. Silva carried forward four basic principles to her leadership role within M.Y.S., which are now incorporated into all design processes:
- We acknowledge systemic racism,
- We have the responsibility to self-reflect,
- We will always do our best to avoid doing harm, and
- We work with, not for, audiences to make the biggest social impact.
Laura believes that we all must embrace discomfort and work collectively to advocate for power shifts to promote equity. She is dedicated to ensuring that M.Y.S. attempts to leave the world a better place than we found it through continuous learning and feedback, every day.