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 good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding my purpose has been a journey shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a deep connection to the natural world. Growing up in the Philippines, surrounded by its rich biodiversity and the ocean, I developed an early love for animals and the environment. My initial path into veterinary medicine felt like a natural extension of that passion. However, as I learned more about the broader environmental challenges threatening marine ecosystems and communities, I realized my calling was larger than caring for individual animals—it was about protecting entire ecosystems. This realization led me to pivot into environmental science and policy, where I hoped to address these challenges at a systemic level. While this field gave me the tools to understand the complexity of environmental issues, I quickly learned that knowledge and policy alone weren’t enough to inspire the kind of change I envisioned. I saw a need for storytelling, creativity, and human connection to bridge the gap between science and everyday people.

It wasn’t until I discovered design for sustainability that everything came together. Design gave me a language to unite my passions for science, community engagement, and creativity. My purpose became clear: to use design as a tool to foster meaningful conversations, inspire collective action, and create solutions that empower people and protect the planet. My purpose continues to evolve, but at its core, it’s driven by an unwavering belief in humanity’s capacity for change. As I wrote in my recent thesis, “This research is an invitation for unwavering commitment and determination, for the challenges facing this world and its ecosystems are great, but so too is humanity’s capacity for change.” That belief fuels everything I do and reminds me that even the smallest actions can ripple out to create significant, lasting impact.

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 am a sustainability designer, environmental scientist, and artist whose work blends creativity, science, and community engagement. My professional focus is on creating solutions that foster environmental stewardship, empower communities, and inspire social change. Currently, I am a Design Associate at Organizational Design Partners. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is the opportunity to collaborate with different districts and stakeholders, ensuring that every initiative we develop is rooted in equity, inclusion, and a shared commitment to creating positive outcomes for all. I’m incredibly grateful to my boss, Jenai, for her mentorship and support, which have helped me grow both professionally and personally. Her guidance has taught me the importance of designing solutions that are not only effective but also deeply human-centered.

In addition to my work at ODP, I’m passionate about using art and storytelling to inspire and educate. I recently collaborated with my aunt, Dr. Janice Lao, and co-author Isaac Noche on Penguins Can Fly, Right? It is a children’s book that focuses on building self-esteem and confidence. It was such a rewarding experience to illustrate the activity pages, combining creativity with my love for design and education. The book aims to empower young readers to embrace their uniqueness and believe in themselves, and I’m proud to have been part of a project that aligns so closely with my values.

Another project I hold close to my heart is Buhay Donsol, which was born out of 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 supporting the well-being of the local community. Through this project, I developed a peer researcher toolkit, facilitated co-creation workshops, and collaborated with stakeholders to ensure that conservation strategies were informed by the needs of the community. Buhay Donsol embodies my commitment to merging design, science, and local knowledge to create lasting impact.

What I love most about my work is the potential to inspire others. Whether through a visual piece, a community workshop, a sustainability framework, or a project like Buhay Donsol, I strive to create meaningful connections that motivate people to act for the betterment of their communities and the planet. My hope is that my work not only sparks conversations but also leads to tangible, positive 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?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as an international student navigating the workspace are resilience, collaboration, and a systems-thinking mindset. Resilience has been essential in facing the challenges that come with being an international professional, from navigating work authorization processes to adapting to cultural differences in the workplace. It has taught me to keep pushing forward despite setbacks and to see obstacles as opportunities for growth. Collaboration has been equally important, as working with diverse stakeholders, whether at Organizational Design Partners or in other projects, has shown me the value of listening to different perspectives and co-creating solutions that are inclusive and impactful. It has also helped me build meaningful relationships, which are especially important when you’re far from home and learning to navigate new professional environments. Finally, a systems-thinking mindset has been critical in my day-to-day interactions and the projects I manage, allowing me to understand the interconnectedness of challenges and to design solutions that address both the immediate and long-term needs of the organizations and communities I work with. Together, these three qualities have not only helped me thrive professionally but also enriched my personal growth in adapting to and embracing a new environment.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

One of the biggest challenges I’m currently facing as an international professional is navigating the complexities of work authorization while also building a stable and fulfilling career. For international students, the added layer of visa regulations can feel overwhelming, especially when opportunities are limited by factors beyond your control. On top of that, being far away from my family adds another layer of difficulty. Long-distance relationships with loved ones are hard, especially during moments when you crave the comfort and encouragement of those who know you best. However, my family has been a constant source of strength and support, even from afar. Their belief in me and their unwavering encouragement remind me why I’m pursuing this path and give me the motivation to keep going.

I’ve also been fortunate to have the support of mentors, like my boss, Jenai, who has been an incredible guide in helping me navigate both professional and personal challenges. To overcome these obstacles, I focus on what I can control: continuing to grow professionally, contributing meaningfully to my work, and staying connected to my family and loved ones through regular calls and messages. Their encouragement, paired with the kindness of my professional community, helps me stay grounded.

For fellow international students, my advice is to lean on your support systems—both personal and professional. The challenges we face are real, but they also teach us resilience, adaptability, and the strength of staying true to our goals. Trust in your journey, cherish the connections that lift you up, and know that your unique perspective is your greatest asset. While the road may not always be easy, every step is shaping you into someone capable of making a profound impact. Keep moving forward, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it—you are never truly alone in this journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sharklao.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisekicclao/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lao-4a48b1205/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/buhaydonsol/