Matt Barr’s career as a changemaker began to take shape during his years at Marquette University. While studying supply chain management and entrepreneurship, he started a student organization that became instrumental in embedding a culture of social innovation into the university’s classrooms and campus life. From there, Matt’s interest led him to work at Ashoka, the world's largest network of social entrepreneurs, where he was involved in creating shared value collaborations between the corporate and citizen sectors. Born and raised in central Wisconsin, Matt made his home in Milwaukee, before moving to Washington DC. Through the MASD program, he is interested to learn how design can create partnerships with urban neighborhoods, enabling others to develop their own communities, the way they see fit. During his down time, you can find Matt home brewing craft beer, playing frisbee golf, and exploring all that the cities surrounding him have to offer.
Thesis: How might we build local economies that align with the needs of residents in high-vacancy neighborhoods?