Paul Quinn: Early Talent Identification Program (ETIP)

As an instructor in the Early Talent Identification Program (ETIP) at Paul Quinn College, I led students through a transformative 3 week human-centered design sprint aimed at addressing the question, “How might we ensure environmental justice around Paul Quinn?” Using design research methods, including empathy mapping, we explored the needs and pain points of the local community to uncover innovative solutions.

Our collaborative efforts culminated in the development of “Box N a Bag,” an innovative solution designed to address food insecurity. This concept focuses on securing secondary food resources from homes and reallocating them promptly to individuals experiencing hunger in the community.

Through this project, I empowered students to apply design thinking principles to tackle real-world challenges, fostering their creativity, critical thinking, and empathy for community needs while instilling a deep understanding of environmental and social justice.