We recently connected with Louise Kendra Isabela Criselda Lao-rascon and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Louise Kendra Isabela Criselda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Buhay Donsol is more than just a project; it is a heartfelt initiative inspired by the rich natural and cultural heritage of Donsol, Philippines. This thesis-driven initiative focuses on fostering sustainable whale shark ecotourism through community empowerment and environmental stewardship. Drawing on principles of design, stakeholder engagement, and interpretive storytelling, Buhay Donsol aims to ensure that conservation efforts are not just impactful but also inclusive.

Central to Buhay Donsol is the idea of amplifying local voices—empowering the people of Donsol to become active stewards of their marine ecosystem. By combining co-creation workshops, a peer-researcher toolkit, and user-centered solutions, this initiative seeks to create responsible interactions between visitors and nature while addressing the economic needs of the community. The vision is not only to protect whale sharks but to nurture a shared commitment that resonates far beyond Donsol’s shores, inspiring global conservation efforts.

This mission reflects my broader purpose as a sustainability designer: bridging the gap between science and people through creativity and collaboration. Buhay Donsol exemplifies how storytelling can be a powerful tool for change, fostering empathy and inspiring action for a sustainable future.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a sustainability designer, environmental scientist, and storyteller with a passion for connecting people to ideas and solutions that foster a more equitable and sustainable future. Growing up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Philippines, I developed a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of humans and the environment. This foundation led me to pursue a career that merges creativity, science, and community engagement.

What I do centers around facilitating meaningful conversations, bringing diverse stakeholders together, and using design as a tool to translate complex challenges into actionable solutions. Whether it’s creating frameworks for collaboration, crafting visual stories that inspire change, or facilitating workshops that connect science with lived experiences, my work is driven by a belief that meaningful progress happens when people come together to share their perspectives and ideas.

What sets me apart is my ability to synthesize information from different disciplines and present it in ways that resonate with people. I’m passionate about using storytelling as a bridge—helping audiences connect emotionally to the issues at hand while empowering them to take action. My work thrives at the intersection of science and creativity, and I’m committed to designing strategies that are not only impactful but also inclusive and grounded in the needs of the communities I serve.

I’m proud to be part of a growing global movement that recognizes the power of collaboration in addressing the challenges of our time. My mission is to inspire others to see the beauty of our shared world, engage in critical conversations, and take bold steps toward a sustainable and equitable future.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative for me is the ability to connect with people on a deeply human level through the work I create. It’s incredibly fulfilling to take ideas, emotions, or challenges and translate them into something that resonates with others—whether that’s a design solution, a story, or a piece of art. I love how creativity becomes a bridge, sparking conversations, inspiring action, or simply helping people see the world from a different perspective.

There’s also a profound joy in the process itself—turning abstract ideas into tangible outcomes that can make a real difference. Whether I’m facilitating a workshop, crafting a visual story, or co-creating solutions with a community, every step reminds me of the power creativity has to shape not just individual lives but entire systems. Seeing the ripple effects of this work, whether it’s someone feeling empowered or a community coming together, is what keeps me inspired and motivated as a creative.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The mission driving my creative journey is rooted in the belief that design and storytelling have the power to transform how we connect with one another and with the world around us. I aim to use my skills to inspire meaningful conversations, foster collaboration, and create sustainable solutions that address both environmental and social challenges. For me, it’s not just about solving problems—it’s about empowering communities, amplifying diverse voices, and nurturing a sense of shared responsibility for our collective future.

A large part of what fuels this mission is the unwavering support and values instilled in me by my family. Growing up, I was surrounded by role models who taught me the importance of compassion, resilience, and a sense of duty to the world around us. Their belief in my potential and encouragement to pursue my passions—even when the path was unconventional—have been constant sources of strength. My family’s love for learning, their respect for nature, and their emphasis on community shaped my desire to bridge the gap between science and everyday people.

I strive to translate complex ideas into relatable, actionable narratives that inspire change. My work is driven by a deep passion for bringing people together across disciplines, perspectives, and cultures to co-create solutions that are inclusive, impactful, and grounded in empathy. Whether it’s through facilitating workshops, designing strategies, or crafting stories that resonate, my goal is to spark a movement where creativity and purpose work hand in hand to create a world where both people and the planet thrive. At its heart, my creative journey is not just about personal fulfillment—it’s about honoring the lessons and values my family has given me and inspiring others to see the power they hold to create lasting change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sharklao.myportfolio.com/work
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisekicclao/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-lao-4a48b1205/
• Other: https://sharklao.myportfolio.com/buhay-donsol