The WDO team facilitates the exchange of ideas within the design community by implementing a range of projects and initiatives, and raises awareness of the power of industrial design to effect positive change in the world.
Andréa Springer
Acting Managing Director
With nearly 30 years of experience in corporate communications, organizational leadership and international partnership development, Andréa has been key in shaping WDO’s evolution into a respected global voice for design. Since joining in 2005, Andréa has played an instrumental role in building the organization’s flagship programmes and initiatives, forging alliances with international institutions and expanding its worldwide reach. In her current role, she is recognized for her ability to bring together diverse voices to advance shared goals and empower a dynamic team to deliver innovative projects that create meaningful, sustainable change.
Dorothée Bolade
Membership Engagement Manager
Dorothée has extensive experience in the public and not-for-profit sectors gained in the United Kingdom, Central Africa and more recently in Canada. Her areas of expertise include volunteer management, community engagement and programme management, including proposal writing and the monitoring and evaluation of projects. At WDO, her remit is to develop and implement membership growth and retention strategies with a particular emphasis on building the organization’s online communities. Dorothée studied International Relations & French at the Nottingham Trent University which included semesters at the California State University Long Beach and the Paris 12 Val de Marne University (France).
Natalie Dutil
Communications Director
Natalie Dutil is a communications professional with over 15 years of experience in the non-profit and corporate sectors. Her work has spanned public and media relations, product launches, store openings, local and international event management, and internal corporate communications. Natalie joined WDO with an enthusiasm for communicating the organization’s vision and mission of design for a better world. As Communications Director, she oversees the strategic direction of WDO’s communications portfolio, including branding, content, digital communications, events, and audience engagement. Leading a multidisciplinary team, she is responsible for strengthening the organization’s global visibility and ensuring cohesive communications across its programmes and initiatives.
Abbie James
Events Officer
With a background spanning journalism, marketing and the international public sector, Abbie has worked across communications roles to produce editorial content, campaigns and digital communications for global audiences. She began her career as a travel writer and editor, later expanding into ghostwriting, broadcasting and strategic communications. As WDO Events Officer, Abbie brings a collaborative and creative approach to her work, leading events that highlight design’s role in shaping a better world.
Eric Lauwers
Programmes Manager
Eric Lauwers is an experienced project management professional with a diverse background spanning both nonprofit and for-profit organizations across sectors, including the creative industries, science journalism, design, the social economy, and telecommunications. His expertise lies in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and leading cross-functional teams to drive organizational change and enhance project delivery. As Programmes Manager, Eric oversees key international initiatives, such as the World Design Capital (WDC) and World Design Protopolis (WDP) programmes. In this role, he works closely with cities around the world to leverage design as a tool for sustainable urban development, innovation, and positive social impact. Eric joined WDO in 2019 as Project Manager for World Design Capital Lille Métropole 2020. Since then, he has played an active role in the development, implementation, and ongoing evolution of the WDC programme. Eric is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and is committed to advancing collaborative, design-led approaches to addressing complex societal and urban challenges.
Tu Tram Pham
Digital Communications Officer
Tu Tram is an experienced Visual Designer with her work spanning through a trifecta of private, public and non-profit sectors. She’s been part of cross-functional teams such as Brand, Product Design, Marketing and Communications, lending support as a Graphic Designer. She champions and values strong visual narratives while taking into consideration the user experience across the digital landscape. As Digital Communications Officer, Tu Tram will be dedicated in all web and social media management, while spearheading visual brand and user experience.
Sarah Virgini
Content Manager
With a background in sustainable community development, Sarah has several years of professional and volunteer experience with a variety of member-based non-profit organizations. She is a skilled communicator, with proven expertise in event management, public relations and community outreach. As the Content Manager at WDO, she contributes to the development and curation of content to ensure consistency across all communications platforms and collaborates on programme-specific projects. Sarah has a Bachelor of Arts in International Development from McGill University.
Rose Wu
Finance Manager
As the Finance Manager, Rose contributes to the ongoing advancement and achievement of WDO’s strategic objectives through the facilitation of essential administrative functions. Her responsibilities include bookkeeping, preparing financial statements, quarterly and annual reports, as well as assisting with other related accounting duties. Rose also provides administrative and project support to the management team at the Secretariat.
