Hi, I’m Laurissa (she/her).
I’m a designer, strategist, and systems thinker exploring how we care—for people, communities, and the planet.
My work blends design, strategic foresight, and a deep attention to the social and ecological systems we live within. I enjoy the challenge of exploring complex problems through foresight, systemic thinking, and a long-standing passion for sustainability and inclusion.
I like working on projects that leave the world a little bit better. I’m commited to building sustainable and inclusive spaces for all.
A bit about my path
I’ve spent years in UX, service design, and product strategy—designing digital tools, leading cross-functional teams, and navigating complex systems. I bring an inclusive and ecocentric systems lens to my work, seeking to understand how system structures influence behaviours and outcomes, and how cultural stories underpin and reinforce them. I imagine how a system may evolve or be impacted by mature and emerging trends.
My ongoing commitment to inclusion and equity challenges me to continue to learn different ways of thinking and knowing, to nurture my self-awareness and to better understand how my lens shapes my perceptions of the world.
What I bring
A background in UX, service design, and product ownership
A Master’s in Strategic Foresight and Systems Thinking
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and navigating complexity
A strong ethic of care, clarity, and collaboration
Outside of work
Born and raised in Toronto, I now live on beautiful Vancouver Island in the Craigflower Creek watershed, on the lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples. I love to stay active and be in nature so you can usually find me running on trails or wandering through native plant gardens, learning about invasive plants, growing veggies, or reading about nurturing resilient ecosystems. I’m always interested in learning from others who are working toward land stewardship, and ecocentric design.
I believe in giving back
I’ve benefited from the generosity and work of many others—and I try to pay it forward through time, care, and contributions.
Recently, I’ve volunteered with local groups protecting wildlife and ecosystems. That’s included caring for wild animals at BC SPCA’s WildARC and helping identify and remove invasive plants through local stewardship initiatives.
In the past, I also served on the Board of Directors for Mosqoy, a Canadian charity focused on sustainable development with Indigenous communities in the Peruvian Andes. helping to guide their marketing initiatives. I supported their marketing strategy, and continue to be inspired by their place-based, relational approach to change.
I like to stay curious
Reading and travel have shaped me since childhood—I love the new perspectives they open. I usually have a book (or two) on the go and a growing list of places I hope to explore. I’m also a hands-on learner and enjoy getting crafty. I draw, fold origami bouquets, tinker with 3D printing, and keep dreaming of expanding my language skills.
I stay active, to stay grounded
I also love staying active. I trained in Taekwon-Do for over a decade and hold a 3rd degree black belt. I competed internationally on both Team USA and Team Canada (Argentina 2017, Brazil 2019). These days you can often find me running on the local trails. I finished my first half-marathon in 2023 and my new goal is to finish my first full marathon in the fall of 2025.
Want to connect?
Whether you’re reimagining policy, prototyping futures, or rethinking how we relate to those around us—I’d love to hear from you.