Madhuri Rao

Hi, I’m a designer and facilitator dedicated to creating work that is human- and planet-centered. I’m currently a Communications Specialist for New York City’s health and wellness program, helping bring free resources and workshops to city workers, and I also conduct natural dye workshops in my free time.

With over seven years of design experience, I focus on projects that connect diverse communities through design research, strategy, and visual storytelling. I love turning big ideas into clear, engaging experiences through workshops, visual design, and community-centered projects.

Before this, I was a vegan baker and yoga teacher, and I bring a background in law to everything I do. My work is shaped by holistic and regenerative design principles, with the goal of creating solutions that tackle today’s challenges while building a healthier, more just future for people and the planet.



Design
Projects
  1. Theater der Welt
  2. AUTONOM Symposium
  3. Social Alpha
  4. London Design Festival
  5. Report Design


Research
Projects
  1. Earth’s Kitchen
  2. Loving The Bronx

Earth’s Kitchen




Fostering and empowering intergenerational transition to a climate smart diet.

Earth's Kitchen is a transformative initiative grounded in empathy and environmental consciousness, with a mission to shift towards a plant-based diet and move away from oppressive food systems that contribute significantly to climate change. Through immersive learning experiences, community engagement, sharing resources, and holistic approaches, it raises awareness about the environmental and health benefits of plant-based eating among youth and young adults.

By reframing the plant-based diet as easy, culturally relevant, and climate-smart, this project empowers individuals to make informed dietary decisions, fostering a healthier planet for all. Environmental health is public health, and Earth's Kitchen strives to bridge the gap between dietary habits and environmental consciousness.



My Process

Community Research & Listening
I began by engaging with diverse community members to understand their experiences, barriers, and motivations around plant-based eating. Through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, I gathered insights into cultural food practices, dietary preferences, and climate awareness.

Co-Creation & Collaboration
In partnership with organizations like the Plant-Based Treaty, I co-designed workshops, resources, and events tailored to community needs. This collaborative approach ensured cultural relevance and inclusivity, empowering participants to lead change.

Immersive Learning Experiences
Through interactive workshops, cultural potlucks, and reflective activities, I helped participants explore the connections between food, health, culture, and climate. These experiences inspired curiosity and confidence in adopting plant-forward diets.

Resource Sharing & Support
I provided starter kits, recipe collections, and toolkits to make plant-based cooking approachable and exciting. These resources supported sustained behavior change and community engagement.

Building Community & Advocacy
I fostered supportive networks where people shared stories, recipes, and knowledge. Together, we advocated for systemic change by promoting climate-smart diets and endorsing initiatives like the Plant-Based Treaty.