The Book

Part-memoir, part-guidebook, an inspiring account of the power of design, diversity, and sisterhood from a seasoned design leader.

Sentido chronicles strategic designer Alison Rand’s journey as a multi-ethnic woman from New York City—NuYorican—through a male-dominated, largely white corporate world to becoming a design leader. The book—which derives its title from the Spanish word for “sense” or “to make sense of”—offers practical insights and inspiring stories about the importance of embracing and celebrating one’s personal and professional experience. A pathbreaking guide for aspiring leaders, particularly women and underrepresented minorities, it showcases how empathy, creativity, and iterative problem-solving can be powerful tools in navigating—and excelling in—corporate environments.

SPEAKERS

Alison Rand is a strategic design expert, consultant, thought leader, and writer with a passion for promoting more inclusive operational systems. A born-and-raised New Yorker, Alison’s worldview was shaped from an early age by her multi-ethnic upbringing and exposure to diverse backgrounds and ideas.

Rania Ghosn is Associate Professor of architecture and urbanism at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology—where she is Director of the SMArchS Urbanism program—and founding principal of DESIGN EARTH.

MODERATED BY

Ana Pantelić joined MIT D-Lab as Executive Director in the summer of 2021. A social impact leader originally from Serbia, Ana has worked at the confluence of systems change and social innovation in Latin America, Africa, and the Balkans for more than a decade.

ACCESSIBILITY

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