Social Innovation

I am a purpose-driven individual.
Everything I do is informed by the belief that we all have a responsibility to create change.

We all have an opportunity to foster connection, openness and genuine dialogue in every aspect of our lives: at home, at work, at school, in the society.

Laura M. Pana and Renee Benson on Stage_Vienna Design Week 2015 .jpg

Migrationlab Foundation

 

I created the Migrationlab Foundation out of a blog with the same name in 2014 to support migrants, refugees and locals across Europe better communicate with and relate to each other in public space and at work.

The blog showcased my journey as a Romanian migrant in Western Europe and it was created in response to the lack of authentic discussions on migration and direct participation of these communities in the formulation of solutions for social inclusion.

Since 2014, Migrationlab brought together over 600 migrants, refugees and locals within 17 public events in 5 countries, 8 cities and different neighbourhoods within the same city across Europe and Northern Africa.

In 2018, I was featured among the most exciting innovators in social design that responded to the refugee crisis by the award-winning design critic and New York Times contributor Alice Rawsthorn in her latest book “Design as an Attitude”.

Through the transformation of public spaces to public living rooms, co-created by these communities, Migrationlab has enabled safe spaces for collaboration and exchange of diverse ideas, stories, knowledge and creativity. We have been challenging the narratives on migration and contributed to social inclusion of migrants and refugees in Austria, The Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, and Tunisia.

Still, there is so much work to do. If fostering diversity and inclusion, psychological safety, and constructive discussions in your local environment and in the workplace are important to you, please join us: www.migrationlab.org