Meet the Visionaries Shaping the Future of Service Design

In a world where innovation reigns supreme, service design is the magic wand transforming ordinary interactions into extraordinary experiences. “Service design is not just about designing services but about designing relationships,” wisely observed a visionary in the field. At the forefront of this revolution are the SDN Ambassadors, the champions propelling this movement forward with passion, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to global impact.

The Essence of an SDN Ambassador

Being an SDN Ambassador is more than a badge of honor—it’s a lifestyle. Imagine turning every challenge into an opportunity to craft something beautiful. “Service design transforms everyday experiences into extraordinary journeys,” says one ambassador, encapsulating the heart of their mission. They’re the superheroes of service design—cape optional—acting as connectors, storytellers, and champions of the craft. Their mission? To foster a service design culture that collaborates worldwide, creating meaningful connections and working together to build a better future.

Crafting Connections: The Events Team

The Events Team, led by Alejandra Villacis Miranda, Palak Gupta, Sudeshna Mahata, and Seth Campbell, is all about creating magic through meaningful connections. Alejandra is always in the loop, crafting content and conducting interviews to showcase the power of community engagement. Sudeshna finds her role exhilarating, filled with interviews, content creation, and activities that make every week a new adventure. Seth underscores the importance of awareness, emphasizing service design’s role in fostering sustainable, inclusive change. Together, they inspire participation in events like the SDN Next Gen Conference, SDN Awards, and the Service Design Global Conference (SDGC).

Building Bridges: The Community Building Team

Felipe Rocha Melhado and Katie Sadler are the dynamic duo behind the Community Building Team. Driven by curiosity, Katie spends her weeks interviewing fellow ambassadors, researching fresh faces in the field, and editing content that spreads the word of service design. Felipe’s mantra? Explore every avenue to engage with the SDN community, often through the vast landscape of social media. “An ambassador is someone willing to carry the torch of any given cause,” he notes. Their work is essential in nurturing a global sense of belonging, sharing insights, and steering the Service Design Network’s evolution. See Community Voices interviews here.

Igniting Minds: The Knowledge Team

Under the guidance of Gabriele Michele Frattini, the Knowledge Team—featuring stars like Shao-ching Lu, Yihui Wang, and Richard Mireku—is on a mission to illuminate the transformative power of service design. “We focus on spreading knowledge and inspiring others to see the transformative potential of service design,” Gabriele explains. Yihui thrives on exploring the latest trends and facilitating weekly workshops that push the boundaries of innovation. Shao-ching emphasizes the importance of efficient meetings with clear goals and active participation, driving their collective mission to educate and engage the community.

The Coordinators: Guiding the Vision

Behind the scenes, Judee Bendiola, Bhownit Singh, and Silvia Rossetti ensure everything runs like a well-oiled machine. Judee’s coordination keeps the Ambassadors program in sync, while Bhownit and Silvia’s leadership fosters a friendly, exchange-driven environment. Together, they keep the SDN’s mission at the forefront, unifying the ambassadors' efforts and maintaining momentum.

Memorable Moments and Lasting Impact

The SDN Ambassadors' journey is rich with unforgettable moments and meaningful connections. One ambassador recalls the joy of “meeting people who are in it to get their hands dirty and get things done!” Another highlights the unique opportunity to “connect with talented and engaging people worldwide and the rare chance to interact with industry leaders and personal heroes.” These experiences deepen their global perspective, enrich their work, and build invaluable cross-industry relationships. Every interaction ignites a spark, creating a ripple of positive impact through collaborative innovation.

These ambassadors embody the core values of the Service Design Network: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and a commitment to service design on a planetary level. Their stories are a testament to the profound impact that passionate individuals can have on our global community.

Standout Quotes to Inspire

• "Service design is not just about solving problems; it's about envisioning a better future." - Gabriele Michele Frattini
• "We are the architects of meaningful connections and the champions of inclusive change." - Seth Campbell
• "We’re like the Avengers of Service Design—each with our unique superpower, coming together to save the world one design challenge at a time!" - Sudeshna Mahata
• "Being an SDN Ambassador means embracing a passion for service design and fostering a strong community spirit." - Yihui Wang

In celebrating the SDN Ambassadors, we honor their dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of service design. Their stories inspire us all to join them in building a better, more connected world through the power of service design. Share this celebration and join the movement to make a lasting impact! 

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Let's amplify the voices of our ambassadors and celebrate the champions of change in the service design world!