Zinzy Waleson Geene

Person, Principal Designer

Work

I'm a designer, a mentor, and a community builder

I’m 17 years into a career in Information Technology. When I tell people I have an academic background in literary criticism and theology, it never fails to surprise them. For me, the analogies between reading a text, designing software, and designing shared spaces are myriad.

  • Paying very close attention: I read, watch, and listen closely to the way people express themselves and engage with each other

  • Creative problem-solving: I’m a lateral thinker looking for opportunities and constraints, and I seek to challenge myself and others directly, and care personally

  • I have a knack for research: Perpetually satisfying my deep curiosity, I research text and experiences to get the full picture, make up my mind, and make better decisions.

  • Meeting people where they are: Being inclusive, empathic, and trauma-informed is an important value for me. It helps me form close connections, facilitate conversations, and move projects forward