Shaunté Kinch
CEO, Empact Global
When the Ties Unravel: Sustaining Community in an Age of Collapse
After over eight months of research which includes learnings from the Design for Dignity 2025 “Future of Community” workshop, futurist and service designer Shaunté Kinch is ready to share insights from applying foresight to a powerful question: How do we sustain community in turbulent times?
Drawing on dozens of interviews, scenario explorations, and participatory foresight methods, this talk reveals what she learned about the emerging risks of community collapse—and the deeper systems that either erode or enable belonging. From the rise of AI-managed enclaves and privatized resilience systems to regenerative neighborhoods and care-based economies, Shaunté traces the signals shaping how we live together in the coming decades.
In 20 fast-paced minutes, she connects foresight, systems thinking, and design to uncover the patterns of endurance that help communities evolve through disruption. This talk is a call to reimagine community not as a place, but as a living system—and to design futures where dignity, connection, and mutual care remain non-negotiable.
About Shaunté
Shaunté Kinch is the Founder and CEO of Empact Global, a social impact innovation company dedicated to advancing equity, access, and outcomes in health, education, and community. With over 20 years of experience improving systems, services, and processes across industries, she integrates strategic foresight, systems thinking, human-centered design, and continuous improvement to help organizations tackle complex social challenges. Her portfolio includes work with Stanford Health Care, NASA, and the Greensboro Housing Authority. Motivated by challenge and fueled by purpose, Shaunté brings both expertise and empathy to her work. Beyond her professional life, she is a proud wife, mother, traveler, and lifelong learner—still holding onto her deferred dream of being a dancer.