Design 21: Social Design Network

Heather is CEO and co-founder of Catapult Design, a product and technology firm that serves developing world markets. Catapult Design’s clients are organizations working in impoverished communities with technology needs – including rural electrification, water purification and transport, food security, and health. Before starting Catapult, she worked more than five years as a product design consultant in Silicon Valley, designing products for a diverse range of clients. In 2005, she also co-founded and led a volunteer group focused on developing world design through Engineers Without Borders. The team’s work has been featured in a variety of media and publications, including Newsweek, WIRED.com, ABC News, and PRI’s The World. In 2008, Heather was named a Pop!Tech Social Innovation Fellow for her work with Engineers Without Borders and Catapult Design, a program aimed at high-potential young leaders with new approaches for transformational impact. Heather also lectures at Stanford University, teaching Design for Sustainability in the Mechanical Engineering department. Heather has a BS in Product Design from Stanford University.