Guiding design students through research, data visualization, and advocacy to address pressing civic issues.

Across two semesters, Thought Partner founder and director Ellen Sitkin, alongside program head Daniela Marx, led third-year Loyola University design students through a rigorous process of research, analysis, data visualization, and public communication. Students developed two-sided posters that translated complex city infrastructure challenges into compelling visual narratives designed to educate the public and capture the attention of New Orleans' newly elected mayor. The resulting student-designed exhibition at Loyola's library and presentations at the university's annual Peace Conference demonstrated how design can inspire civic engagement.