Rhea Alexander

Rhea Alexander Email and Phone Number

Co Director Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative @ Parsons School of Design - The New School
New York, NY, US
Rhea Alexander's Location
New York, New York, United States, United States
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Rhea Alexander work email

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About Rhea Alexander

I have worked at the intersection of strategic design, design education, equity and environmental justice, and entrepreneurship for over 25 years on a mission to create positive change. Early in my career, I sought to test triple-bottom-line values, founding Duchamp's Irreverent Guiding Spirit, inc. (dba D.I.G.S.), an award-winning impact design company working with sustainable materials and artisan cooperatives (1991), DIGS Design Agency (1995), working with USAid and S.M.E.s in global economic development, DIGS E-commerce (2000) supporting international impact designers enter the U.S. market, and eventually co-founded MakeOurFuture.coop (2022-23), a global consulting cooperative helping organizations transition to more equitable practices while reimagining the agency model for more transparency and pay parity. Setting my sights on the future, I became an educator, teaching students at the Parsons School of Design to approach challenges from a holistic systems perspective, considering their solutions' economic, social, and environmental impacts, and founded the Parsons Elab (2014), a design-driven research lab dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship; an interdisciplinary space where external partners, students, faculty, and alums can collaborate on entrepreneurship initiatives exploring the intersection of design, technology, equity, and business. At the Elab, we conduct research, publish, run incubators and workshops, and provide resources and connections to the greater innovation ecosystem. We have helped launch successful ventures since its inception. Through mentorship, I encourage a new generation of more inclusive and responsible entrepreneurs to use their businesses as forces for good and spearheaded "A Design Driven Guide for Entrepreneurs: Strategies for Starting Up in a Multiverse," published by Routledge (2023), a practical guide for entrepreneurs integrating design strategies into their startup process to create more just and verdant organizations and communities. To continue my work at the systems level, I collaborate on the board of the N.Y.C. Innovation Collective, focusing on creating pathways for underserved entrepreneurs.I enjoy collaborations, giving talks, and facilitating workshops, so feel free to reach out!

Rhea Alexander's Current Company Details
Parsons School of Design - The New School

Parsons School Of Design - The New School

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Co Director Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative
New York, NY, US
Rhea Alexander Work Experience Details
  • Parsons School Of Design - The New School
    Co Director Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative
    Parsons School Of Design - The New School
    New York, Ny, Us
  • Parsons Elab
    Founder And Director Of Parsons Elab
    Parsons Elab Jan 2015 - Present
    New York , Ny, Us
    A design-led business lab dedicated to entrepreneurial practice and research.
  • Nyc Innovation Collective
    Member Board Of Directors
    Nyc Innovation Collective Oct 2019 - Present
    New York, Us
    The NYC Innovation Collective is a nonprofit alliance of NYC's top technology organizations working together to support and grow our amazing community. Comprised of 200+ accelerators, incubators, and other platforms of innovation, we are a convening of funding sources, company creation, economic growth, and change. It is our mission to shape and strengthen the innovation ecosystem through increased collaboration, transparency and access to the new economy.
  • Parsons School Of Design
    Assistant Professor Of Strategic Design And Management + Director Of Parsons Entrepreneur Lab
    Parsons School Of Design Jul 2014 - Present
    New York, Ny, Us
    As Faculty in the School of Design Strategies at Parsons School of Design, I teach across undergraduate and graduate programs. Focusing on teaching design research and methods for business innovation and the socio-economic influences that impact the way we live and work.Design today has gone beyond the industrial age where it was considered a luxury or relegated to products, graphics or interiors to an integral part of the business. It’s a method of working, yielding breakthrough innovations beyond the tradition to include systems and communities alike. Through adaptable methodologies, design transforms outdated vulnerable models into more sustainable, adaptable, innovative ones able to navigate the markets of tomorrow.I believe in taking a holistic integrated approach, Design Strategy applies a series of contextual methodologies yielding innovatively sustainable outcomes.I started the Elab in 2014 as part proof of concept as well as to research and prototype distributed models of academic incubators with design at their core to unleash the power of design thinking for business innovation and entrepreneurship. Actively involved in the startup community, a founder myself, I am passionate about advising startups and mentoring founders, working closely with investors and industry experts to develop the best prossible support for self-directed lifelong learning. My experience as a design impact entrepreneur for over 21 years, gives me a unique advantage in the field.
  • Parsons School Of Design
    Assoc. Director Bba Program In Strategic Design And Management
    Parsons School Of Design Jan 2020 - Dec 2020
    New York, Ny, Us
    The BBA Strategic Design and Management program prepares a new generation of industry leaders for entrepreneurial and management positions in which they can apply leading theories in design and innovation.Taught by leading industry specialists, this interdisciplinary program examines the essentials of design-led research, strategy, and systems thinking. Courses introduce you to branding, product and service development, innovation, law, finance, ethics, value alignment, and sustainability. This interconnected approach to design and business is applicable across all industries.
  • Parsons School Of Design
    Co-Director Ms Strategic Design And Management Program
    Parsons School Of Design Jul 2015 - Jul 2018
    New York, Ny, Us
    As part of the early leadership team, the MS SD+M Program applies design thinking to business innovation. Design today has gone beyond the industrial age where it was considered a luxury or relegated to products, graphics or interiors to an integral part of the business. It’s a method of working, yielding breakthrough innovations beyond the tradition to include systems and communities alike. Through adaptable methodologies, design transforms outdated vulnerable models into more sustainable, adaptable, innovative ones able to navigate the markets of tomorrow.Taking a holistic integrated approach, Design Strategy applies a series of contextual methodologies yielding innovatively sustainable outcomes.Responsibilities Include: Directing and teaching in the studios and seminar courses, curriculum development, program strategy, and management, hiring faculty and building external partnerships. As Director and founder of Parsons Elab, am responsible for mentorship, management, programming and research.
  • Parsons School Of Design
    Assistant Professor Of Strategic Design And Management
    Parsons School Of Design Jun 2014 - Jul 2015
    New York, Ny, Us
    Parsons the New School of Design, School of Design Strategies and ManagementTeaching in and helping to shape curriculum for the graduate program of Strategic Design and Management where we see design today has gone beyond the industrial age where it was considered a luxury or relegated to products, graphics or interiors to an integral part of business. It’s a method of working yielding breakthrough innovations beyond the tradition to include systems and communities alike. Through adaptable methodologies, design transforms outdated vulnerable models into more sustainable, adaptable, innovative ones able to navigate the markets of tomorrow.Taking a holistic integrated approach Design Strategy applies a series of contextual methodologies yielding innovative, sustainable outcomes. See less
  • Parsons School Of Design
    Adjunct Faculty
    Parsons School Of Design Jan 2012 - Jun 2014
    New York, Ny, Us
    Parsons the New School of Design, School of Design Strategies and ManagementTeaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the School of Design Strategies where we see thatdesign today has gone beyond the industrial age where it was considered a luxury or relegated to products, graphics or interiors to an integral part of business. It’s a method of working yielding breakthrough innovations beyond the tradition to include systems and communities alike. Through adaptable methodologies, design transforms outdated vulnerable models into more sustainable, adaptable, innovative ones able to navigate the markets of tomorrow.Taking a holistic integrated approach Design Strategy applies a series of contextual methodologies yielding innovative sustainable outcomes.
  • Digs.Com Helping Our Clients Navigate Complexity In A Digital-Physical World
    Founder, Design Strategist + Innovation Consultant
    Digs.Com Helping Our Clients Navigate Complexity In A Digital-Physical World Nov 2010 - Present
    Us
    Founded In NY’s Soho district during the early 1990’s by designer Rhea Alexander, Duchamp’s Irreverent Guiding Spirit, Inc, was better known by its trademark DIGS.Started as a luxury design house (wholesale + e-commerce) with collections pioneering sustainable production and business practices. Believing early on in what is known today as the triple bottom line profit assessment of PEOPLE-PLANET-PROFITS representing a healthy balance between social equity or fair-trade and environmental concerns.Because of our experience, eventually we began helping fair-trade and NGO's with their strategies and today DIGS transformed into a consultancy still committed to innovation and the same ideals. DIGS cannot be confined by convention. Invested in the creative adventure, DIGS is archaeology of the soul. It is a celebration of self-reliance, integrity, sustainability and quality design.There are many ways to reveal what people do and how they do it,we uncover the why.DIGS specializes in design strategy and implementation. Our work spans the globe and sectors from tech startups, commercial ventures, established firms to nonprofits and NGOs. For more information go to our site.
  • Makeourfuture
    Former Co-Founder
    Makeourfuture Jan 2021 - Jan 2024
    A platform coop agency co-creating better futures! We partner with clients large and small, helping align to the U.N. SDG by designing and implementing strategies to reach common goals for sustainability and social justice.
  • D.I.G.S Wholesale/Retail Eco Home Accessories
    Founder, President & Designer
    D.I.G.S Wholesale/Retail Eco Home Accessories Mar 1991 - Apr 2012
    Studio and showroom based in New York City; D.I.G.S. designs, produces, and distributes its own wholesale collection of high-end home accessories with a commitment to eco-conscious manufacturing, economic development as well as quality design. D.I.G.S.' collections appear regularly in leading consumer and trade design periodicals from Interior Design and Elle Décor to New York Magazine and the New York Times. Customers include international retailers such as Waterworks, Neiman- Marcus, Horchow, Frontgate Catalog, Banana Republic, Bergdorf Goodman, Barney’s, Lane Crawford of Hong Kong and, Harrod's of London, ABC Carpet and Home, Williams Sonoma’s Chambers catalog, Bloomingdales, Mandarin Hotel and, Gracious Home.
  • Rhea Alexander
    Founder Of D.I.G.S. Consulting Agency
    Rhea Alexander Mar 1991 - Mar 2011
    A Wholesale/Retail lifestyle brand and consultancyConsulting Services Included:Product & Furniture DesignSustainable Product DevelopmentMarket Research / Trend Analysis thru the design strategy and design thinking lensMarket Strategy: Development & Implementation, New Market Entry & Expansion PlanningMerchandise & Product DevelopmentProduct Coordination & CostingCompetitive Analysis & PositioningClients have included Umbra, Frigidaire, Mandarin Oriental's Asiate, Phillips Collection, Magnolia Casual, USAid, ATA, Exploris, DAI.
  • Hanover Direct
    Director Of Product Development
    Hanover Direct Nov 2007 - Dec 2008
    Us
    A 350 million dollar web/ catalog based home furnishings and apparel company with manufacturing in WI, distribution in VA & offices in PA & NJ ( brands: Scandia Down, The Company Store, Domestications, Silhouettes & International Male.)

Rhea Alexander Skills

Creative Direction Product Design Design Strategy Product Development Design Thinking Sustainable Design Concept Development Strategy Furniture Industrial Design Entrepreneurship Sustainable Development Graphic Design Advertising Fashion Concept Design Sketching Design Education Interior Design Brand Development Art Direction User Experience Trend Analysis Graphics Social Entrepreneurship Adobe Creative Suite Experience Design Packaging Merchandising Integrated Marketing Apparel Illustrator Indesign Design Research User Centered Design Strategic Design Interaction Design Branding And Identity Green Roofs Rendering Retail Design Trend Exhibit Design User Research Ecological Design Design Strategies Design Management Space Planning Rapid Prototyping Service Design

Rhea Alexander Education Details

  • The New School
    The New School
    Media Studies
  • Parsons School Of Design - The New School
    Parsons School Of Design - The New School
    Environmental Design & Architecture With A Minor In Product & Furniture Design
  • Parsons School Of Design - The New School
    Parsons School Of Design - The New School

Frequently Asked Questions about Rhea Alexander

What company does Rhea Alexander work for?

Rhea Alexander works for Parsons School Of Design - The New School

What is Rhea Alexander's role at the current company?

Rhea Alexander's current role is Co Director Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative.

What is Rhea Alexander's email address?

Rhea Alexander's email address is gr****@****ail.com

What is Rhea Alexander's direct phone number?

Rhea Alexander's direct phone number is (212) 229*****

What schools did Rhea Alexander attend?

Rhea Alexander attended The New School, Parsons School Of Design - The New School, Parsons School Of Design - The New School.

What are some of Rhea Alexander's interests?

Rhea Alexander has interest in The Intersection Of Education And Media, Wonderful Ideas, Cooking, Research And Design Strategies, Photography, Then There Is Gardening, Curiosity, Good Friends And Family, Chocolate, Coffee.

What skills is Rhea Alexander known for?

Rhea Alexander has skills like Creative Direction, Product Design, Design Strategy, Product Development, Design Thinking, Sustainable Design, Concept Development, Strategy, Furniture, Industrial Design, Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development.

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