is an initiative aiming to dissolve social barriers between people — by fostering genuine human connection(s) — across a compass of differences.
"A state in which the individual lacks a sense of belonging socially, lacks engagement with others, has a minimal number of social contacts, and they are deficient in fulfilling and quality relationships."
— Shvedko et al., 2018
masa: a capstone project
Individuals meet with one of us at masa to practice vulnerability with a stranger. During a walk and while carrying an unstructured conversation, participants are invited to share their stories.
Participants are invited to return, but this time as a group — rather than individually. They come together to practice vulnerability in a safe space, alongside others they might otherwise have never met. They open up, listen, and step out of isolation.
Primary Goal:
Bring people together across their differences:
Secondary Goal:
Create experiences where strangers feel safe enough to share personal stories and be exposed to different worldviews.
“
The whole moment stood out because of the sense of safety yet vulnerability I felt the entire time. Coming together over a meal and drinks to just be real with each other. Gosh, that felt really good to me.
"
To be concise, I would say that it meant a lot to share a table with people who were so eager to both share about themselves and to inquire into my life.
“
It was amazing and eye-opening to see the things that can happen when we let our guard down and immerse ourselves in what truly was/is an extremely safe space.
Tired of surface level conversations? Do you want to step outside of your bubble in a safe space to do so?
Come participate in an experience that will expose you to a different way of seeing the world. Start by embracing vulnerability and sharing your story with us.
Join a network of strangers choosing to step outside their comfort zones and come together with others that they would otherwise never meet.
Design and curate experiences that bring humans together across their differences.
project timeline
/ before capstone
2024
masa took its first of many steps.
At the time, the divisive undertones of our nation’s social climate posed an interesting question to Juan. Outside of his accustomed social circles, would he be able to mutually empathize with strangers, across any social spectrum?
project timeline
/ capstone [winter—2025]
Coding Oral History Narrations
We split the 13 narrations between the two of us and thoroughly listened to each and every story attentively. Taking note of any and every important topic mentioned that the narrator intentionally — or unintentionally — deem.
Completing a Masters of Science @ the University of Washington — studying Human Centered Design & Engineering
Completing a Masters of Science @ the University of Washington — studying Human Centered Design & Engineering