Keynote: A new bottom line: It’s time to radically reframe the ‘Return on Design’ for social good 

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About Ledia

Born in Egypt, raised in Australia, and having lived in Kenya and the UK, I am humbled by my privilege and constantly outwitted by my choices. I’m a designer, strategist, and anthropologist who loves to integrate rigour with heart to reimagine more equitable social futures. Mindful of how power and privilege can influence outcomes, I am guided by indigenous wisdom and participatory practices to translate ideas into meaningfully co-owned action. 

I have 15 years experience leading interdisciplinary teams and co-designing with communities in over 10 countries. I am co-founder of Sonder Collective, a diverse network of researchers and innovators driven by shared values. Most recently, I have collaborated with 25 peace activists from around the world to imagine what decolonised peacebuilding futures might look like; I have worked with GAVI on co-creating more equitable immunisation supply chains globally; and have explored ways to integrate more qualitative insights into decision-making at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 

Previously, I set up ThinkPlace’s consultancy in Kenya and developed their portfolio of work in Africa. This included co-designing a citizen-centred national health policy with the Kenyan government, developing digital solutions with frontline community health nurses in Ghana, as well as co-designing the vision, values and behaviours of future humanitarian action with the Overseas Development Institute. 

I hold a PhD in Anthropology, a Master of Business, and Bachelor of Design. When not working, I love getting lost in new cities, trail-walking, foraging, oil painting, slam poetry, dancing to 80s/90s classics, and perfecting my gluten-free cheesecake!