Meet our new Lead Service Designer

Shira Hand has joined the PHL Service Design Studio as a Lead Service Designer, bringing a wealth of experience from her diverse career in library science, museum collections, and trans health advocacy. Her journey into service design began in higher education administrative operations, where she developed a passion for human-centered design. Shira's core values include centering humanity, promoting accessibility, and fostering interdependence, which she believes are vital for creating impactful services. Excited about the studio's mission, she sees it as an opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of Philadelphia residents. In her downtime, Shira enjoys urban exploration, particularly in search of new bakeries, and has a fond connection to roller derby.

She expresses enthusiasm for the collaborative environment at the studio, eager to learn from the expertise of her new teammates. Shira's commitment to design that honors marginalized voices underlines her approach to service design. Her story reflects a dedication to improving community services through innovative design practices.