Diane D’Costa | Facilitator

Diane is a designer, facilitator, and youth leadership advocate inviting folks into the work of collective visioning and action to support new ideas that create meaningful change.

At IDEO.org, Diane leverages the power of human-centered design to vision alongside communities and actualize a more just & inclusive world. Her portfolio focuses on co-designing with young people and the adults who support them, exploring themes of community, connection, economic mobility, and thriving.

Her work involves building relationships across designers, partners, and community members to co-create programs, strategies, and services that meaningfully improve people’s lives.

Prior to joining IDEO.org, Diane served as a high school and middle school teacher in Washington, D.C. and Tulsa, Oklahoma and has a passion for youth leadership and organizing. 

Diane also worked in local government and policy, most recently as the Director of Advocacy and Community Partnerships at the Prince George’s County Council where she collaborated with community members and elected officials to design and implement programs including free community college, transitional housing and workforce development programs for returning citizens, and youth engagement programs for young people to advise elected officials on legislation.

When she’s not designing at IDEO.org she directs a youth leadership program in Maryland and has an independent art practice. She graduated from the University of Virginia with degrees in Leadership & Public Policy and Youth & Social Innovation.