Mariana González, Community Building Manager

Mariana uses design, systems thinking and project management to help grow the collective power of organizations and advocates supporting participatory democracy.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in innovation and design engineering (with a minor in operations management) from Universidad Panamericana in Guadalajara, Mexico, and a master’s of fine arts in transdisciplinary design from Parsons School of Design at The New School in New York City.

Previously, she worked at the Healthy Materials Lab, demonstrating how healthier building materials can be incorporated into affordable housing to provide better living conditions to low-income communities. Additionally, she has worked on design projects with Guatemalan artisans, and members of low-income neighborhoods in Mexico.

At People Powered, Mariana manages the membership program and implements engagement strategies that build the collective power of the member community. She also designs and implements inclusive collective governance and decision-making systems.

Aside from exploring the intersection between design, community building and democracy, Mariana seeks to achieve and promote more sustainable living, enjoys discovering unique places around New York City by walking and biking, and loves to be immersed in nature.