Kate Barranco writing in a stained-glass window alcove
Ideas & Recognition

Where the
thinking
goes public.

Publications, speaking, media features, and recognition — the public trace of a practice built at the intersection of imagination, healing, and civic futures.

This is precisely the time when artists go to work. Not when everything is fine, but in times of dread. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.

— Toni Morrison

Recognition

Awards & Fellowships

Awards
2020
Improving the Human Condition Award
Georgetown University
2020–21
Fellowships
GU Impacts Fellowship
Georgetown University Beeck Center
2021
Royden B. Davis Summer Fellowship
Georgetown University
2020–21
Writing

Publications

Featured · New America
Operationalizing Imagination
Futures Security Scenario Lab · New America
In the room

Speaking & Facilitation

2026
World Futures Day · Teach the Future
Sandbox for Imagination: A Playground for Regenerative Futures
Designed and facilitated an interactive, intergenerational workshop engaging global participants in experiential futures practices, ethical AI dialogue, and collaborative worldbuilding exercises.
2026
Harvard Innovation Lab
Experiential Futures Sandbox
Activated an interactive AI + Imagination Curriculum experience engaging undergraduate and graduate innovators in futures literacy, ethical AI exploration, and worldbuilding practices.
2026
Wired Human Roundtable · U.S. Capitol
Youth Coalition Ambassador — Ethical AI & Digital Public Infrastructure
Facilitated a cross-sector roundtable convening policymakers, technologists, and civic leaders to explore ethical AI, youth wellbeing, and the future of digital public infrastructure.
2025
ReThink Citizen Fellowship
Storytelling for Social Change & Catalyzing Imagination
Facilitated storytelling and imagination sessions with youth innovators from diverse Midwest communities.
2025
UN Science Summit · UNGA
Beyond Awareness — For You Page
Panelist on The Power of Connection: Fostering Social Support for Youth Wellbeing, highlighting youth-driven mental health advocacy and relational civic ecosystems.
2025
Columbia Climate School · MR2025
Crafting a Shared Story for Resilience in Transitions
Co-facilitated workshop guiding participants through narrative and ecological resilience exercises rooted in solastalgia, belonging, and transition design.
2024
The Wellbeing Project · Global Gatherings
Ecological Belonging & Intergenerational Healing
Facilitated conversations with global social-change leaders, integrating art, systems thinking, and dialogue practice.
Press & Podcast

Media Features

Kate Barranco speaking on Next Generation Democracy panel Kate Barranco co-designing with a collaborator