Durell Coleman founded DC Design with the goal of addressing some of America’s most pressing social challenges through the design thinking process. He has since collaborated with global non-profits, large tech companies, and small businesses to fight against homelessness, mass incarceration, economic inequality, Black infant mortality and more. In part one of our two-part conversation, we explore Durell’s upbringing, which laid the foundation for his passion for creating change. Next, we discuss his mission to eliminate multi-generational poverty by truly listening to what people need and how the humanity he sees in people motivates him to advocate for them.

He is a two-time alumnus of Stanford University and its Institute of Design (the Stanford d.school). He is an expert in multi-stakeholder, human-centered design; has been awarded the Jefferson Award for Public Service as a result of his work; and is one of the subjects of the PBS documentary: “Extreme by Design,” which is used as a design thinking teaching aid all over the world.

Don’t miss the chance to hear key insights from Durell’s journey that are sure to inspire you on your own!