ABOUT me

Hi, I’m Winnie. I’m a strategic designer who believes that building capacity in others allows them to initiate and sustain positive change in their communities. I have worked with several multidisciplinary teams to make this a reality – from being a researcher and educator, to applying design-intensive innovation practices to complex challenges. Currently, I am the Design Manager at Luminary Labs, overseeing the Design & Insights team.

Prior to joining Luminary Labs, I was the Design Lead at UNICEF’s Office of Innovation, where I collaborated on digital innovation initiatives finding solutions for the world’s most marginalized children. 

In my spare time, I ordain the occasional wedding, embark on exciting food adventures, and can often be found picnicking in the park.

Winnie Chang Headshot – photo by Martin Romero

Professional Experience

Design Manager, Luminary Labs, New York, NY | April 2022 – Present

Design Lead, UNICEF Office of Innovation, New York, NY  |  July 2019 – December 2021

Senior Designer, UNICEF Office of Innovation, New York, NY  |  December 2017 – June 2019

Part-time Faculty, Strategic Design and Management, Parsons School of Design, New York, NY  |  January – May 2017

Researcher, Healthy Materials Lab, New York, NY  |  June 2016 – November 2017

Strategic Designer, Various Clients, New York, NY  |  September 2016 – Present

Founder and Speculative Designer, Sparks Laboratory, New York, NY  |  January 2016 – Present

Marketing Director, VergeNYC, New York, NY  |  September 2015 – August 2016

Design Principal, Winnie Chang Design, Richmond Hill, ON  |  August 2011 – April 2017

Graphic Designer, Philip Sung Design Associates Inc., Toronto, ON|  July 2013 – June 2016

Social and Mass Media Consultant, Health in Motion Rehabilitation, North York, ON|  August 2010 – July 2013

2D Graphic Design Intern, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, ON|  June 2012 – July 2012

Marketing Intern (Graphics), Umbra Ltd., Scarborough, ON  |  May 2012 – June 2012


Engagements

Guest Speaker, Human Factors, Product Design, Parsons School of Design, New York, NY | November 2019 – September 2021

Presenter, “An Intro to Desirable Futures,” UNICEF Office of Innovation, New York, NY | May 2020

Guest Speaker, Design Placement, Design Studies, York University, Toronto, ON | March 2020

Facilitator, Drones for Social Good Global Conference, UNICEF, New York, NY | April 2019

Moderator, “Celebrating Girls and Women in ICT: Expand Horizons, Change Attitudes” International Girls in ICT Day, Cornell Tech, New York, NY | April 2019

Presenter, Advocacy & Civic Participation, “Strive: A Behavioral Design Approach to Social Change” Hmong National Development Conference, San Jose, CA | April 2019

Guest Speaker, “Driverless Governance: Designing Narratives Toward Democratic Technology” Design for Next Conference, European Academy of Design  |  Rome, Italy  |  April 2017

Workshop Speaker, “De-constructing Social Imaginaries in Hmong Youth” HaSEAAC’s 23rd Annual Spring Conference, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point  |  March 2017

Conversation and Workshop Lead, “Invisibility in Decisions: Predictive Analytics & Equality” VergeNYC 2017 Conference, Parsons School of Design  |  Greater New York City Area  |  February 2017

Workshop Support, “Theory of Change and Deep Learning,” Riverdale Country School, The Bronx, NY  |  June 2016

Education

Parsons School of Design
MFA Transdisciplinary Design
New York, NY
2015 – 2017

York University/Sheridan College Joint Program in Design
Bachelor of Design
Toronto, ON
2009 – 2013


Awards

Parsons Graduate Student Travel Fund, Parsons Dean’s Office, November 2016

Ministry of Education Huayu Scholarship, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, July 2016

Provost's Scholarship, Parsons School of Design, August 2015

University Scholars Award, Parsons School of Design, August 2015

Print Communications Semifinalist, Adobe Design Achievement Awards, 2013

Dean's Prizes for Excellence, York University, March 2013

Kondor Fine Arts Award, York University, March 2013

Packaging Semifinalist, Adobe Design Achievement Awards, 2012

Temple Harris Book Prize, York University, 2012