About Us

We are a women-owned boutique consultancy that takes a human-centered approach to food systems.

Our Roots

The Global Impact Collective began as a coffee-chat between design leader James Bernard and former Microsoft colleague Don Coyner:

How could human-centered design tackle the world’s toughest problems?

They looped in fellow creatives Steve Kaneko and Tom Bouchard, and the idea took hold.

James soon re-connected with systems strategist Carey Renn, who had launched micro-finance programs for women farmers in Haiti and led climate and ocean-health initiatives at Vulcan. Their shared conviction—that design thinking, paired with deep subject expertise, can solve “wicked” challenges—crystallized the Collective’s mission.

What started as a small circle has grown into a global, multidisciplinary team anchored by a vast network of specialists, all working to improve lives through collaborative, human-centered design.

Our Values

We are fueled by a deep sense of purpose and a passion to make a meaningful impact. By collaborating with organizations around the globe, we work together to address challenges in food systems, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices. Our values define the spirit of how we work.  

Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Chickens in stacked cages under a metal shelter, with several people working nearby, labeled Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Our Roots

The Global Impact Collective began as a coffee-chat between design leader James Bernard and former Microsoft colleague Don Coyner:

How could human-centered design tackle the world’s toughest problems?

They looped in fellow creatives Steve Kaneko and Tom Bouchard, and the idea took hold.

James soon re-connected with systems strategist Carey Renn, who had launched micro-finance programs for women farmers in Haiti and led climate and ocean-health initiatives at Vulcan. Their shared conviction—that design thinking, paired with deep subject expertise, can solve “wicked” challenges—crystallized the Collective’s mission.

What started as a small circle has grown into a global, multidisciplinary team anchored by a vast network of specialists, all working to improve lives through collaborative, human-centered design.

Our Values

We are fueled by a deep sense of purpose and a passion to make a meaningful impact. By collaborating with organizations around the globe, we work together to address challenges in food systems, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices. Our values define the spirit of how we work.  

Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Chickens in stacked cages under a metal shelter, with several people working nearby, labeled Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Our Roots

The Global Impact Collective began as a coffee-chat between design leader James Bernard and former Microsoft colleague Don Coyner:

How could human-centered design tackle the world’s toughest problems?

They looped in fellow creatives Steve Kaneko and Tom Bouchard, and the idea took hold.

James soon re-connected with systems strategist Carey Renn, who had launched micro-finance programs for women farmers in Haiti and led climate and ocean-health initiatives at Vulcan. Their shared conviction—that design thinking, paired with deep subject expertise, can solve “wicked” challenges—crystallized the Collective’s mission.

What started as a small circle has grown into a global, multidisciplinary team anchored by a vast network of specialists, all working to improve lives through collaborative, human-centered design.

Our Values

We are fueled by a deep sense of purpose and a passion to make a meaningful impact. By collaborating with organizations around the globe, we work together to address challenges in food systems, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices. Our values define the spirit of how we work.  

Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Chickens in stacked cages under a metal shelter, with several people working nearby, labeled Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Our Roots

The Global Impact Collective began as a coffee-chat between design leader James Bernard and former Microsoft colleague Don Coyner:

How could human-centered design tackle the world’s toughest problems?

They looped in fellow creatives Steve Kaneko and Tom Bouchard, and the idea took hold.

James soon re-connected with systems strategist Carey Renn, who had launched micro-finance programs for women farmers in Haiti and led climate and ocean-health initiatives at Vulcan. Their shared conviction—that design thinking, paired with deep subject expertise, can solve “wicked” challenges—crystallized the Collective’s mission.

What started as a small circle has grown into a global, multidisciplinary team anchored by a vast network of specialists, all working to improve lives through collaborative, human-centered design.

Our Values

We are fueled by a deep sense of purpose and a passion to make a meaningful impact. By collaborating with organizations around the globe, we work together to address challenges in food systems, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices. Our values define the spirit of how we work.  

Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Chickens in stacked cages under a metal shelter, with several people working nearby, labeled Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Collaborative

We believe that the sum is greater than its parts and foster an environment of open communication and cross-functional collaboration, both internally and with our clients. Including all voices helps us make better decisions.

Thriving Together

Our success is measured by our collective growth. We empower each other to flourish, balancing success and well-being. We support each other along the journey — sharing challenges, celebrating wins, and having fun along the way.

Leading with Empathy

Empathy is at the core of everything we do. We are kind and humble. We listen deeply, consider diverse perspectives, and make decisions with intention, from ideation to implementation.

Adaptable

We come from a variety of backgrounds and nurture a curious mindset. We are nimble, learn continuously, and quickly move to meet challenges with innovative solutions.

Collaborative

We believe that the sum is greater than its parts and foster an environment of open communication and cross-functional collaboration, both internally and with our clients. Including all voices helps us make better decisions.

Thriving Together

Our success is measured by our collective growth. We empower each other to flourish, balancing success and well-being. We support each other along the journey — sharing challenges, celebrating wins, and having fun along the way.

Leading with Empathy

Empathy is at the core of everything we do. We are kind and humble. We listen deeply, consider diverse perspectives, and make decisions with intention, from ideation to implementation.

Adaptable

We come from a variety of backgrounds and nurture a curious mindset. We are nimble, learn continuously, and quickly move to meet challenges with innovative solutions.

Collaborative

We believe that the sum is greater than its parts and foster an environment of open communication and cross-functional collaboration, both internally and with our clients. Including all voices helps us make better decisions.

Thriving Together

Our success is measured by our collective growth. We empower each other to flourish, balancing success and well-being. We support each other along the journey — sharing challenges, celebrating wins, and having fun along the way.

Leading with Empathy

Empathy is at the core of everything we do. We are kind and humble. We listen deeply, consider diverse perspectives, and make decisions with intention, from ideation to implementation.

Adaptable

We come from a variety of backgrounds and nurture a curious mindset. We are nimble, learn continuously, and quickly move to meet challenges with innovative solutions.

Collaborative

We believe that the sum is greater than its parts and foster an environment of open communication and cross-functional collaboration, both internally and with our clients. Including all voices helps us make better decisions.

Thriving Together

Our success is measured by our collective growth. We empower each other to flourish, balancing success and well-being. We support each other along the journey — sharing challenges, celebrating wins, and having fun along the way.

Leading with Empathy

Empathy is at the core of everything we do. We are kind and humble. We listen deeply, consider diverse perspectives, and make decisions with intention, from ideation to implementation.

Adaptable

We come from a variety of backgrounds and nurture a curious mindset. We are nimble, learn continuously, and quickly move to meet challenges with innovative solutions.

Headshot of James Bernard, middle-aged man with short gray hair and a friendly smile, standing in front of a brick wall
Headshot of James Bernard, middle-aged man with short gray hair and a friendly smile, standing in front of a brick wall
Headshot of James Bernard, middle-aged man with short gray hair and a friendly smile, standing in front of a brick wall
Headshot of James Bernard, middle-aged man with short gray hair and a friendly smile, standing in front of a brick wall

James Bernard

Co-Founder & CEO

James brings more than 30 years of experience in over 50 countries, leading organizations in a range of sectors and industries. His career includes 15 years at Microsoft, where he led a global education team, focused on developing meaningful partnerships. He’s a recognized expert on cross-sector collaborations and has developed dozens of successful and sustainable partnerships between companies, social sector organizations, and the public sector. Later on, he founded Resonance Impact Advisors, an impact-focused consultancy operating within an international development consulting firm, and grew it into a multimillion-dollar practice serving Fortune 500 and foundation clients. His work is grounded in the conviction that today's most pressing global challenges require collaborative solutions that are grounded in human-centered principles. In 2023 he co-launched the Global Impact Collective to help mission-driven organizations “design a world that improves the lives and livelihoods of all.” He serves on the Board of Directors of Cultural Vistas, an international non-profit dedicated to cultural exchange and leadership development, and credits his early years in Lamu Island, Kenya for shaping his global outlook.

Carey Renn

Co-Founder & COO

Carey has enjoyed a non-linear career. After graduating with a degree in physiology and working as a biochemistry researcher, her career took an interesting turn when she took a short-term position at Paul Allen’s Vulcan Inc. ​ The short-term position turned into a sixteen-year career where she built a robust program management and design department, led the development of the Allen Brain Atlas, and partnered to launch the Allen Institute for Brain Science. ​ As Sr. Director of Technology Development, Carey led the Artificial Intelligence team and launched the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence. She strategically aligned technology with global impact initiatives across climate change, conservation, and ocean health, leading teams that launched Earth Ranger, Sky Light, and Smart Catch, among others. Since leaving Vulcan she has continued to work on globally significant issues such as economic development with the Kauffman Foundation, female financial empowerment with FINCA Haiti, combating plastic pollution with the Lonely Whale Foundation, and many more.

Headshot of Carey Renn, woman with long blonde hair and a black sweater, smiling in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Carey Renn, woman with long blonde hair and a black sweater, smiling in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Carey Renn, woman with long blonde hair and a black sweater, smiling in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Carey Renn, woman with long blonde hair and a black sweater, smiling in front of a brick wall

Team

Headshot of Judith Hochhauser Schneider, woman with chin-length brown hair, glasses, and a warm smile, in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Judith Hochhauser Schneider, woman with chin-length brown hair, glasses, and a warm smile, in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Judith Hochhauser Schneider, woman with chin-length brown hair, glasses, and a warm smile, in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Judith Hochhauser Schneider, woman with chin-length brown hair, glasses, and a warm smile, in front of a brick wall

Judith Hochhauser Schneider

VP, Partnership Development

Judith has dedicated her career to sustainable development issues, working to protect the planet and the economic, ecological, and social forces it needs to prosper. After holding leadership positions at companies like DuPont and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Judith moved to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to lead global partnerships with companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, Walmart, Starbucks, and Nike. By helping these large brands address hotspots throughout their supply chain, Judith has seen first-hand that the best solutions can only be achieved when governments, nonprofits, foundations, and companies come together. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Headshot of Cady Susswein, woman with long dark blonde hair and a black top, smiling in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Cady Susswein, woman with long dark blonde hair and a black top, smiling in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Cady Susswein, woman with long dark blonde hair and a black top, smiling in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Cady Susswein, woman with long dark blonde hair and a black top, smiling in front of a brick wall

Cady Susswein

Director, Marketing & Communications

Cady has nearly 20 years experience in social impact communications, working with government, non-profit, and private sector clients to drive their message for greater strategic impact. This list includes USAID, Veterans Affairs, and Fortune 500 companies as well as social impact focused startups around the world. She is a returned Peace Corps volunteer, having served in Senegal, and a recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest. She crafts the Global Impact Collective’s brand story and messaging, translating complex sustainability issues into compelling narratives. She is also a certified Project Management Professional, streamlining organization processes throughout the company.

Headshot of Reena Kawal, woman with long dark hair, wearing a black sweater, smiling in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Reena Kawal, woman with long dark hair, wearing a black sweater, smiling in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Reena Kawal, woman with long dark hair, wearing a black sweater, smiling in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Reena Kawal, woman with long dark hair, wearing a black sweater, smiling in front of a brick wall

Reena Kawal

Director, Research and Strategy

Reena thrives in ambiguity, crafting solutions that blend human-centered design, impact, and creative tech. Trained as an urban planner, she pivoted to technology to scale change, guiding projects from gene-expression mapping to avatar telepresence. Passionate about having a positive impact, she leads with curiosity and empathy. At Tableau and Salesforce, Reena led cross-functional teams to launch analytical tools that help users discover and share insights. She helped bring future technologies to life through collaborative prototyping and product development at Microsoft and startups. At the Global Impact Collective, she applies research and data to drive strategic decisions and spark change.

Headshot of Sarah Rogers, woman with brown hair, glasses, and a green top, smiling in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Sarah Rogers, woman with brown hair, glasses, and a green top, smiling in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Sarah Rogers, woman with brown hair, glasses, and a green top, smiling in front of a brick wall
Headshot of Sarah Rogers, woman with brown hair, glasses, and a green top, smiling in front of a brick wall

Sarah Rogers

Director, Strategy & UX

Sarah’s passion for human-centered design ignited while supporting community development in rural Zambia, where she learned empathy is the gateway to meaningful solutions. She later joined impact-driven tech startups, honing design-thinking skills that shaped products from digital health in Niger to EdTech in the United States. Having led initiatives in 20-plus countries and held roles spanning strategy, product, and UX research, she brings both breadth and depth to every challenge. At the Global Impact Collective, Sarah guides strategic planning and user experience, marrying field insights with systems thinking to deliver inclusive, culturally relevant services.

Woman with straight, shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a light green top, smiling warmly while standing in front of an exposed brick wall
Woman with straight, shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a light green top, smiling warmly while standing in front of an exposed brick wall
Woman with straight, shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a light green top, smiling warmly while standing in front of an exposed brick wall
Woman with straight, shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a light green top, smiling warmly while standing in front of an exposed brick wall

Saira McDonald

Program Manager

Saira first mastered project orchestration while coordinating wildfire-rebuild crews in the Pacific Northwest, where she learned that clear processes and steady communication turn chaos into results. Since then she has run day-to-day operations for health, agriculture, and climate initiatives on four continents, keeping milestones visible and risks contained. At the Global Impact Collective, Saira is the connective tissue between strategy and delivery: building project plans, monitoring budgets, and shepherding hand-offs so researchers, designers, and clients stay aligned. By translating bold goals into weekly actions, she helps every initiative land on time and on target.

Founding Advisors

Our advisors bring decades of experience from leading roles at top-tier organizations—including Microsoft—to help guide our approach in tackling complex challenges in food systems, public health, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Their deep backgrounds in human‑centered design, innovation, and strategic leadership elevate our ability to partner meaningfully with communities and clients to co-create scalable, systemic solutions for global impact.

Man with gray hair, glasses, and a mustache, wearing a checked shirt and blazer, softly smiling at the camera against a light gray studio background

Thomas Bouchard

Design Leader and Strategist

Man with short gray hair and glasses, dressed in a dark collared shirt and blazer, giving a subtle smile, photographed against a simple gray backdrop

Don Coyner

Design Director

Man with neatly trimmed hair, wearing a dark blazer and white shirt, smiling confidently in front of a neutral light gray background

Steve Kaneko

Design Architect