We are curious, open-minded and humble learners.
We are focused on how we can give over what we can take.
We are committed to making the invisible visible, the unsaid heard.
We ask hard questions, listen with two ears and go where others don’t.
We vision systems that promote justice, equity and longevity.
We bring our whole selves to these pursuits and welcome the whole selves of others.

Ruth Silver, Founder

Ruth has spent 20 years using design as a creative lens through which to engage in deep listening with diverse communities. In 2014 she founded Groundswell, a boutique design and strategy firm for mavericks and innovators challenging the status quo in pursuit of meaningful change. We work across sectors on long-term systems change projects that deconstruct structural and institutional barriers and fundamentally shift the way people believe what’s possible. By using participatory design processes, Ruth help's her clients empathize with the people they serve, understand the complexities of the 21C context, challenge power structures and create responsive services, cultures, products and communication.

Before founding Groundswell, Ruth worked with Annie Liebovitz & Bruce Mau. She holds a BA in Fine Art & Indigenous Studies from McMaster and a Master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and has held teaching positions at the Universities of Toronto and Waterloo, the Chang School, OCADU and Harvard. Ruth recently became a Girl Guide Volunteer, Forest Therapy Guide and Climate Reality Leader.