Make/Change Symposium – Day 1

Make/Change is a dynamic symposium that brings together industry professionals, faculty and students to explore how design can drive civic engagement, social impact, and community-centered innovation. Through keynote lectures, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops, participants will collaborate on ideas that address real-world challenges and expand the role of creative practice in public life. Join us to connect, contribute, and reimagine how design can create meaningful change. See schedule of events listed below.
Keynote Speaker 1: Ernest Wong
[caption id="attachment_62125" align="alignright" width="275"] Ernest Wong[/caption]

Ernest C. Wong, Founder and Principal of Site Design Group, has been instrumental in fostering the landscape architecture and urban design profession. Based in Chicago, Illinois, the firm is known for creative design solutions and developing community-oriented urban open spaces. The work reflects a shared commitment to improving the quality of life and resilience of diverse communities while prioritizing design excellence. Notable projects include Pullman National Park, 75th Street Boardwalk, Argyle Shared Street, Ping Tom Memorial Park, and Henry Palmisano Park. Current projects include the Obama Presidential Center, Google Chicago HQ, and the 1901 Project for the United Center neighborhood.

A strong proponent of civic and community engagement, Wong serves on numerous boards and juries, including the Driehaus Award, City Parks Alliance, Near South Planning Board, and chairs the Chicago Landmarks Commission. He is an advisor, award recipient, university lecturer, and last year produced his first TEDx Talk in Chicago. In 2021, Ernest was awarded the National ASLA Community Service Award as well as the Daniel H. Burnham Distinguished Service Award from the Lambda Alpha International Land Economics Society Ely Chapter for his dedication and commitment to service within the design industry.

Ernie Wong LinkedIn
Keynote Speaker 2: Scott Francisco
[caption id="attachment_62126" align="alignright" width="275"] Scott Francisco[/caption]

Scott Francisco is an explorer and co-designer of social and natural systems—engaging buildings, cities, cultures, and forests as part of a single, interconnected field. With a foundation in technical architectural practice, including wood and mass timber construction, his work now extends to the design and understanding of organizations, forest-based value systems, and the global networks that link cities to their “far forests”—and to the communities who live within them.

Through research, theory, and practice, he advances design as both an approach and a discipline that connects ecology, material supply chains, and human aspiration. At the core of his work is a belief in the unique role of human agency and intentionality—and a deep commitment to the development of young people as the future builders of our culture, institutions, and shared environment.

Scott Francisco LinkedIn
Pilot Projects website
Workshop Host: Jenn Stucker
[caption id="attachment_62120" align="alignright" width="225"] Jenn Stucker[/caption]

Jenn Stucker is a professor and chair of Graphic Design at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Bowling Green, Ohio. Her teaching background includes courses in the undergraduate BFA in Graphic Design program, the graduate MDes in Integrative Design program, and Entrepreneurship courses in the College of Business, focusing on impactful design and facilitation for social change. She has received award recognition in numerous national design publications. She has presented at several design conferences, both nationally and internationally, focusing on her teaching and research interests in design pedagogy, community engagement, and creative placemaking. Stucker has chaired or co-chaired four national design education conferences. In 2018, GD USA recognized her as “Person to Watch.” Her most recent co-created work, IN THE ROUND: A Speaker Series of Native Creatives, has earned her numerous accolades and was recognized in 2025 with a Mosaic Educator Award by AAF Toledo. Stucker is a certified AIGA-DL design leader and holds an RGD Canada certification. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Higher Education Administration at BGSU, researching the changing role of designers in higher education leadership positions.

Jenn Stucker LinkedIn
SISU Design website