I am shapeshifting being known as Steve. My work comprises a series of moments of awakening, cultivated inwardly, and channeled back out to the world in the form of creative projects.
The first moment hit me at a young age, experiencing a series of isolating physical ailments. Holed up in my bedroom, I dove into the sprawling world of dial-up internet, web development, and communities of anonymous digital makers. My claim to internet stardom became the creation of the second-most-trafficked Family Guy fan site. It was an early lesson in taking continuous small steps toward manifesting my own reality.
Many pivotal moments followed. Witnessing how design can uplift lives. Working with indigenous communities of makers. Managing chronic health conditions. Stepping into my queer identity. Journeying through psychedelic realms. Sparking bodily awakenings. Finding peace in nature. Listening deeply in silence.
The fruits of these moments form a diverse web of projects. I have created the largest social impact design conference, a print magazine with contributors in 80 countries, a design thinking program for the world's biggest organizations, a tool used to improve the health of millions of patients, an entrepreneurship center for at-risk youth, a book documenting indigenous systems of innovation, published research on social computing, a mindfulness program for awakening the senses, and an art practice exploring ecology through sound. My roles span leadership, impact design, technical prototyping, artistic practice, facilitation, and storytelling.
Today I dedicate myself in service of a vision for the more-than-human world grounded in interdependence and the flourishing of diversity. I can see a future, not far off, of awakening for all beings.