Our People
DFGN is a community of like-minded individuals who share a common goal: driving change in the education field. Our community is diverse, with people from all walks of life, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives that enrich our collective efforts. We believe that change starts with individuals, and we take pride in the hardworking humans behind the scenes who make our UnBoxed'25 possible. Get to know our people!
ANDREEA COTORANU
Andreea is the Director of the NYC Design Factory and a Clinical Professor of Information Technology at Pace University. She teaches project-based courses in human-computer interaction. Committed to student learning, Andreea designs and delivers interdisciplinary, globally connected educational experiences that prepare students to creatively apply technology to solve real-world problems. She has led numerous projects funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense, developing cybersecurity talent, curriculum, and outreach initiatives bridging academia and industry. She has served as a reviewer for academic publications and funding agencies locally, nationally, and globally. Her dedication to students’ growth has earned her the title ‘Chief Inspiration Officer.’ Her perfect unwind: a nature hike, a yoga flow, jazz vibes, and dabbling in writing short pieces.
Jonathan is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Human Centered Design at Pace University. His teaching work centers on the intersections of design and technology, leading students to create just, equitable, and sustainable socio-technical futures. Prior to teaching, Jonathan worked across higher education institutions and educational consulting groups on the design and development of learner-centered digital learning products.
Jonathan integrates design practice as a fundamental element of his practice-based design research agenda. Jonathan has particular interests in design education, design strategy, and information aesthetics. Outside of work, you might find Jonathan contemplating an installation at one of NYC’s art museums or settling in for an evening theater performance on Broadway. Or better yet, going for a walk in his neighborhood with his beloved toy poodle, Ilya.
JONATHAN WILLIAMS
TUA BJÖRKLUND
Tua is the Director of Aalto Design Factory and a professor of product development in Aalto University, Finland. She teaches product development, design thinking and innovation practices and is the head of the interdisciplinary product development minor and major in Aalto University. Tua has worked as a researcher at both Aalto University and Stanford University Center for Design in the USA, and she's a deputy editor at the Journal of Engineering Education, the leading research journal in engineering education.
Tua's research focuses on design expertise and advancing new ideas in organizations, and she tries to always bring both a research and industry connection to her teaching. Her preferred ways to recharge after a long day of teaching include chocolate, music, a good fantasy or sci fi book, or board games with her family - or ideally, several of these.
Felipe is a diplomatic weirdo passionate about international collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Since his early existence, was a very active kid, doing many sports, participating in multiple activities, and even creating small businesses in primary school. Yes, you guessed: his background is in business, and he specializes in entrepreneurship and innovation, based on his studies but mainly his experience as an entrepreneur, leader, and innovator. Originally from Chile, his purpose in life is to spread innovation methodologies throughout the world. During the last few years, he has been leading projects in Latin America in order to achieve this purpose. He is an Innovation Fellow from Stanford University and was selected as one of the 50 World Leaders by the University of Pittsburg. He has also been invited to present his vision at conferences around the world, like a TEDx conference a few years ago. Felipe leads the operational side of the Design Factory Global Network, where he takes care of the different resources and aspects of the network.
His friends and family call him “Pipe”, and he wears mainly white t-shirts (he has 9 of the same)
FELIPE GÁRATE
