Resident Flashback: Fatema Boxwala

As we begin recruiting another round of Mad Philanthropists to join us this fall, we took a moment to check-in with Fatema Boxwala, People's Liberty Design Resident, Fall 2014. Here's what Fatema had to say about her experience:

MT: Describe your residency experience in 140 characters or less.
My residency was an intense, immersive experience. I participated in a philanthropic experiment, learned a great deal about a city that was new to me, and honed my design skills in three (short) months.

MT: What did you accomplish during your residency that you're most proud of?
I'm most proud of my work in branding the Society of Mad Philanthropists. I'm glad that the website and design collateral continues to be used as a resource for recruiting new members and building community between members.

MT: What are you doing now?
Currently I'm a designer at The Work Department, a women-led social innovation design studio in Detroit. We use human-centered and participatory design to reinvent experiences, improve communication, and increase advocacy. Through our work, we're building stronger communities with better design. My learnings from People's Liberty, especially my ongoing efforts to embrace the five mad skills: risk freely, try again, share openly, see differently, and care deeply have guided my career (and life) choices.

Speaking of life choices, I'm also a new mom! My daughter, Fiza, was born last year. Since her birth, I've experienced so many overwhelming emotions: absolute joy the first time I saw her, gut wrenching fear the day we took her home from the hospital, and utter gratitude every day since, to name a few. Over the next many years, I hope to constantly improve myself and do good in the world to set a strong example for my daughter.

MT: Anything else?
Special shoutout to Society members Megan, Kate, Jake, Chelsea, Eric & Amy for their friendships and general awesomeness!