Trained as an industrial designer, for more than a decade Cynthia E. Smith led multidisciplinary design and planning projects for cultural institutions. After earning a graduate degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government Smith joined Cooper Hewitt, where she integrates her work experience with her advocacy on human rights and social justice issues. She co-authored The Politics of Genocide: U.S. Rhetoric vs. Inaction in Darfur for the Kennedy School Review; curated By the People: Designing a Better America (2016); curated Design with the Other 90%: CITIES at the United Nations (2011); co-curated the Design Triennial: Why Design Now? (2010); curated the groundbreaking Design for the Other 90% exhibition (2007); co-organized the Social Impact Design Summit and white paper with the NEA; serves on international design juries; and lectures widely on socially responsible design.