Meet Louise Kendra Isabela Criselda Lao

We recently connected with Louise Kendra Isabela Criselda Lao and have shared our conversation below.

Louise Kendra Isabela Criselda, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

My journey in developing confidence and self-esteem has been an ongoing process, shaped by the diverse career paths I’ve followed and the challenges I’ve faced along the way. One of the biggest contributors was realizing that my unique experiences are my greatest strength. Initially, transitioning from veterinary medicine to environmental science, and then to design, left me questioning how it all fit together. I often felt like I was starting from scratch in each new field, which led to a lot of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, especially in design school where I was surrounded by classmates with traditional design/ art backgrounds. However, over time, I started to embrace the idea that my interdisciplinary journey is exactly what sets me apart. When I began working on projects that blended my scientific background with design, it became clear that my ability to connect science with creativity was a rare and valuable skill. The more I leaned into this fusion, the more confident I became in my ability to contribute something meaningful to both fields.

A big part of my confidence also comes from the way I was raised. My family played an essential role in shaping who I am today. I was surrounded by incredible role models who demonstrated an amazing work ethic, compassion, and resilience. They instilled in me the importance of believing in myself, no matter what challenges I faced. My family constantly reminded me to trust in my abilities, and they encouraged me to pursue my passions, even when they didn’t align with conventional paths. Their support helped me realize that I didn’t need to follow a linear journey and that it was okay to carve my own path.

Ultimately, I built my confidence by focusing on my strengths and trusting that my unconventional path brings a fresh perspective to the table. Every challenge I’ve faced—from questioning my skills to navigating multiple fields—has helped me grow into someone who is comfortable owning my journey and using it to fuel my passion for social and environmental change.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I was born and raised in the Philippines, and growing up surrounded by the natural beauty of my homeland, especially the ocean, had a profound impact on me. It was this connection to nature that first sparked my interest in animal welfare and marine conservation. I initially pursued a degree in Veterinary Medicine at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, driven by my love for animals and the environment. However, as I continued my journey, I realized that my passion extended beyond just science—it was about finding creative ways to protect the ecosystems I cared so much about. That realization led me to design. After earning a degree in Environmental Science and Policy, I decided to pursue an MFA in Design for Sustainability at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I learned how to blend science, creativity, and systems thinking to tackle environmental challenges. Design has given me the tools to not only advocate for the environment but to engage people in meaningful ways, inspiring them to take action through creativity and innovation.

Today, I wear many hats, but at the heart of all my work is a passion for using design to make a positive impact on people and the planet. I’m currently focused on blending my backgrounds in environmental science, design, and animal welfare to create work that is both creatively fulfilling and socially impactful. One of the things I’m most excited about is how design can serve as a bridge between science and everyday life—helping people engage with complex issues like sustainability, conservation, and social justice in a more approachable way.

Right now, one of my main projects is Buhay Donsol, a project born from my thesis on sustainable whale shark ecotourism in the Philippines. This initiative focuses on fostering responsible interactions between visitors and the natural environment of Donsol, while contributing to marine conservation and supporting the well-being of the local community. I have developed a peer researcher toolkit, conducted multiple co-creation workshops with stakeholders, and facilitated other activities that engaged people in creative conservation strategies. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how this blend of creativity, science, and community engagement can inspire real change.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Adaptability: One of the most important qualities that has shaped my journey is adaptability. My career path has been anything but linear, transitioning from veterinary medicine to environmental science, and then to design. Each shift required me to learn new skills and step into unfamiliar territory, but being open to change allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined. My advice to anyone early in their journey is to stay curious and embrace uncertainty. The ability to adapt to new situations, ideas, and environments will not only open doors but also help you discover strengths you didn’t know you had.

2. Collaboration: Throughout my career, collaboration has been a key skill. Whether I was working with scientists, designers, or community members, I found that the best outcomes came from working together and listening to diverse perspectives. No one person has all the answers, and being able to collaborate effectively helps you build stronger, more innovative solutions. For those starting out, I’d say: focus on building meaningful connections with others in your field and beyond. Collaboration is a two-way street, so learn to both share your ideas and actively listen to others.

3. Resilience: Lastly, resilience has been a guiding force throughout my journey. There were times when I faced setbacks, doubted my abilities, or felt like I didn’t belong, especially when I was juggling different disciplines. But each challenge taught me to keep going, to push past imposter syndrome, and to find strength in my unique experiences. For anyone early in their career, my advice is to stay persistent, even when things don’t go according to plan. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow, and resilience is what will keep you moving forward when the path gets tough.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I am always open to new collaborations, especially with individuals or organizations who share my passion for environmental sustainability, community engagement, and creative design solutions. I’m particularly interested in partnering with people working in marine conservation, ecotourism, and education, as well as those focused on using art and design to communicate complex issues like climate change, biodiversity, and social justice in an accessible way.

I believe that some of the most innovative solutions come from cross-disciplinary collaboration, so I’m eager to connect with experts from diverse fields—whether they’re scientists, educators, designers, or community leaders—who are looking to create meaningful impact. If you’re someone who is passionate about these areas, I would love to hear from you.

Feel free to connect with me through my social media platforms or through here: https://sharklao.myportfolio.com/contact

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