Perris Richter

Perris is a social innovation strategist and leader with expertise applying design methods, behavioral science, and advanced technology to complex social challenges. Perris joined Human Rights First to lead the Innovation Lab, which brings together technologists and product designers with human rights advocates and impacted communities to co-design force-multiplying technologies that support immigrant justice and democracy protection.  
 
Prior to Human Rights First, Perris was Head of Design at MIT's Center for Constructive Communication, where they led interdisciplinary teams in the design of civic technologies and 'pro-social media' environments that address the effects of deepening societal fragmentation in the United States. In earlier work, Perris co-led a USAID and Nike foundation funded accelerator for social technology enterprises in Southeast Asia, developed a vision the future of smart parks with the City of San Francisco, and launched a pioneering civic technology initiative, Real Talk for Change, that amplifies under-heard community voices in local elections.  
 
Perris has taught human-centered design methods and storytelling workshops to social entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations all over the world, and holds a Masters in Behavioral Science from London School of Economics.