Annette Ferrara
About Annette Ferrara
Annette Ferrara serves as Co-Lead of Creative Operations and Belonging at IDEO, where she specializes in workplace culture and community-building. With a background in writing and experience design, she has contributed to various projects and publications throughout her career.
Current Role at IDEO
Annette Ferrara serves as Co-Lead of Creative Operations and Belonging at IDEO, a position she has held since 2021. In this role, she focuses on enhancing workplace culture and fostering community within the organization. She also acts as a Senior Experience Director, where she specializes in creating immersive physical and virtual events that promote community engagement. Her work includes advising clients across various sectors, including family philanthropies, startups, and Fortune 500 companies.
Previous Experience at IDEO
Ferrara has an extensive history with IDEO, having worked there in multiple capacities. She was the Workplace Experience Director from 2018 to 2021, where she contributed to the design of community-building rituals, which were featured in publications such as 'Rituals for Work' and 'Rituals for Virtual Meetings'. Prior to that, she served as the Marketing & Communications Lead from 2009 to 2018 and as a Senior Writer from 2007 to 2009, working on projects for clients including Ford and State Farm.
Educational Background
Ferrara studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation from 1996 to 1998. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation, as well as English, from Chatham University, which she attended from 1991 to 1995. Her academic background supports her expertise in storytelling and culture.
Contributions to Community and Culture
Ferrara has made significant contributions to community engagement through her work as a founding producer of Mortified, a live comedy show that features individuals sharing their childhood diaries. She has also designed public events in collaboration with notable organizations such as the Executives Club of Chicago, Soho House, and The Chicago Public Library. Additionally, she has authored articles on storytelling and culture for platforms like Harvard Business Review and Medium.
Teaching and Thought Leadership
In addition to her professional roles, Ferrara serves as an instructor for IDEO U's online courses, including 'Cultivating Creative Collaboration' and 'Storytelling for Influence'. Her workplace experience design philosophy is articulated through various articles on IDEO's Octopus Blog, where she shares insights on fostering creativity and collaboration in workplace settings.