Scaling Connection Across the U.S.

WHAT

The Aspen Institute's Weave: The Social Fabric Project works to rebuild trust and connection in America.

In 2025, I partnered with the Weave team and my three former colleagues at IDEO U to transform rich but fragmented content into a scalable learning platform—one that could equip thousands of community leaders, volunteers, and bridge-builders nationwide.

HOW

I translated Weave's mission into a scalable learning ecosystem, leading strategy, experience design, systems design, and team training.

Strategy
Defined audience segments, clarified positioning, and established measurable outcomes.

Pedagogy
Designed a four-stage framework — Learn, Experience, Practice, Reflect — to move participants from theory into action.

Design System
Built templates, reflection guides, and design principles so staff and volunteers could create new courses consistently.

Training
Led virtual onboarding to equip Aspen staff and volunteers with the tools and confidence to design high-quality learning experiences.

IMPACT

Within weeks:

500+ members rejoined, community engagement increased, and strong member feedback citing ease of use, clarity, and a stronger experience.

The most important results were structural. For the first time, learning and community reinforced each other.

The more important results were structural. For the first time, learning and community reinforced each other. In their own words:

"By making successful approaches visible and accessible to Weavers across the country, the platform creates opportunities for community-led replication and adaptation, extending Weave's reach beyond what staff alone could achieve."

— Ericka Burroughs-Fournier, Community Manager, Weave Program, Aspen Institute