Erika Whillas

PhD in Sustainable Futures

2016-2022

Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, and School of International & Public Affairs, Columbia University

Dissertation title: ‘Increasing community engagement in NYC’s green-space planning with PPGIS and deliberative democracy’

Masters of Public Administration

2010-2012

School of International & Public Affairs, Columbia University

Urban and Social Policy, Energy and Environment, Technology and Communications

MIT Executive Program

2009

MIT Professional Education

Honors Degree

2002

University of New South Wales

Bachelor of Arts

1998-2001

University of New South Wales

Digital Media and Communications, Major in Computer Science

Adjunct Lecturer

2018 - Present

Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs, NYC

• Developed and instructs courses ‘Urban Policy by Design’ and ‘Digital innovation for urban governance’
• Applies the human-centered design process to address urban challenges of the 21st Century

Causal Academic and Lecturer

2024 - Present

UNSW, Sydney

• Developed tutorials based on ethics and AI curriculum for computer science students
• Lectured on human-centred design, AI and urban governance

Associate Creative Director

2021 - 2023

Publicis Sapient, Sydney

• Led teams of UX strategists and designers in a global digital transformation consultancy with a focus on public sector projects
• Managed stakeholder relationships and ensured effective communication and collaboration
• Developed and delivered user experience project deliverables, driving innovative and user-centric design solutions

Chief Product Officer

2020 - 2021

Akin, Sydney

• Headed the UX design function in a company specializing in AI assistants for people living with disabilities
• Conducted customer research and usability testing to improve product experiences
• Managed stakeholder relationships and formed partnerships to drive product growth
• Oversaw development and design teams, ensuring high-quality deliverables

UX Instructor

2020 - 2021

General Assembly, Sydney

• Prepared and delivered lectures on UX design principles and methodologies
• Guided students through UX project deliverables, fostering skill development

Chief Product Officer and Co-founder

2012 - 2018

CoClear, NYC

• Supported business development and led UX/IA design in a life-cycle analysis consultancy focusessed on consumer products
• Managed development and design teams, ensuring successful project execution
• Worked directly with sustainability teams of consumers brands, which included Nike, Colgate Palmolive and Ben and Jerry’s

Senior UX Designer and Producer

2007 - 2017

Digital Pulp, NYC

• Developed UX/IA strategy and led design, development and QA teams
• Managed client and stakeholder engagement

Strategist

2011

Purpose, NYC

• Conducted research and analysis, contributing to strategic initiatives for global projects
• Led UX and design teams for web-development projects