The most important currency in our world is no longer capital — it is connection. It is the connected billion of diverse global practitioners solving real problems, sharing real stories; together with purpose and without hesitation.
In the last 15 years, I have worked remotely and abroad on three continents, empowering communities, launching ideas, and contributing to art, design, education, film, health, hospitality, music, retail, and technology industries. In this capacity, I have used my position and skills to advance equity alongside my peers in the design field, entrepreneurial space, and academia.
Below is a recent history of experience.
Now based in Seattle, my professional work demands understanding and agility across brand strategy, program management, integrated marketing, and team leadership.
Direct contributions to go-to-market strategies have led to $14.5M in first-year revenues, $16.3M in grant funding, over $28M in earned media and value-aligned partnerships, and $20.8M in startup investment across education, hospitality, healthcare and financial sectors.
Dr. Mei Ling Doery (left) and Leisha Muraki (right) at Le Space Studio in Melbourne, Australia
by ying ang
Currently: Director, Brand & Operations
MDMD partners with the ambitious to shape the future of business — equipping entrepreneurs with the strategies they need to take their ideas to market and succeed.
Great strategy is philosophy in action. It harnesses industry insights, data-driven analysis, and innovative problem-solving to help businesses chart a path forward in an uncertain market. Businesses thrive when they make decisions based on clear goals and core values. At MDMD, we help ventures stay true to what truly motivates them, forging connections with networks that share their vision and prioritise their long-term objectives.
Cherry blossom trees in the quad at the University of Washington, Seattle Campus.
by A. Whitlatch
quarterly: Lecturer
Teaching design thinking as an iterative process, visual communication as an inclusive language, and human-centered design as a collective mindset.
present:
University of Washington, B.S. Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) / Seattle, USA
past: Guest Lecturer
University of Washington, B.S. HCDE / Seattle, USA / March – June 2023
University of Washington, BFA.VisCommDes / Seattle, USA / March – June 2023
University of Washington, BFA.VisCommDes / Seattle, USA / March – June 2022
SIM Global Education, B.Comm / Singapore / February 2015
Holmesglen Institute, B.CommDes / Melbourne, AUS / February – June 2014
RMIT University, B.CommDes / Melbourne, AUS / February – June 2014
past: Course Designer
Seattle Public Schools, ELA Public Speaking / Seattle, USA / August 2018 – April 2020
RMIT University, B.CommDes / Melbourne, AUS / February – June 2014
WeTeachMe, Information Design / Melbourne, AUS / March 2012
past: Guest Presenter
University of Washington, BFA.VisCommDes / Seattle, USA / April 2021
RMIT University, M.Des / Melbourne, AUS / February 2015
Australian Academy of Design, B.DesArts / Melbourne, AUS / August 2014
Deakin University, B.Des / Melbourne, AUS / August 2014
Holmesglen Institute, B.CommDes / Melbourne, AUS / August 2014
Martin College, Diploma of Graphic Design / Brisbane, AUS / August 2014
Monash University, B.CommDes / Melbourne, AUS / August 2014
RMIT University, B.CommDes / Melbourne, AUS / August 2014
Swinburne University, B.Des / Melbourne, AUS / August 2014
Formerly: director, Strategic partnerships & Event operations
Addressing the issues that impact designers and the design industry—a mission that launched an annual conference called Sex, Drugs & Helvetica.
Inspiration is wonderful, but empowerment is better. Too often the commercial realities of the design profession were overlooked, catering to the myth of eye candy. At the heart of Sex, Drugs & Helvetica was a goal to empower the design community through stories of process.
formally: designer