Yemi Adewunmi
Civic Innovator & Entrepreneur
Venture-backed startup founder & experienced multidisciplinary designer
About Me
I am an executive design leader, entrepreneur, and public speaker who works at the intersection of policy, technology, and design. As co-founder of Plural, a civic technology company, I lead design and marketing strategy to make advocacy and public participation more accessible through AI-powered tools. As founder of Vantwerp, a design and innovation studio, I partner with mission-driven organizations and brands to craft future-ready identities, digital experiences, and environments that drive meaningful change.
My career began in policy analysis, where I learned to navigate complexity and translate big-picture ideas into action. I later transitioned into product and experience design, bringing a systems-level perspective to challenges ranging from brand identity and UX/UI design to digital transformation and civic innovation.
Over the past decade, I’ve collaborated with startups, nonprofits, universities, and Fortune 500 companies, guiding cross-disciplinary teams to solve complex challenges with clarity and creativity. My work also extends into art and design advisory, interiors, and curation, where I help clients shape spaces, collections, and experiences that inspire.
At the heart of everything I do is a belief that design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about empowerment, accessibility, and creating systems that enable people to act with purpose.
My speaking topics
As a speaker and advisor, I share insights on:
Civic innovation and how AI is reshaping public participation
Design strategy as a tool for transformation in business and policy
Future-ready branding and innovation for organizations navigating rapid change
Creative entrepreneurship at the intersection of art, design, and technology
How to build the foundations of a user-centric, product-first business
How to create a product roadmap
How to go-to-market, with brand development, website design and product marketing
How to establish an operations strategy for an early-stage company
Speaking engagements & press
Speaker, Google for Startups, 2025
Speaker, Georgetown University, 2025
Speaker, Adyen NYC, 2025
Previous: Howard University · Techstars · Black Women Talk Tech · Brooklyn Startup Week · DC Startup Week · PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship
Georgetown University
Adyen NYC
National Professional Lobbyist Association (NPLA)
National Professional Lobbyist Association (NPLA)
Fast Company
Bloomberg Industry Group
Black Women Talk Tech
Black Women Talk Tech
Luminary
Politics & Campaigns
Education, Boards & Awards
Board Member & Civic Design Chair, 2026-2028
AIGA DC (American Institute of Graphic Art)
Techstars (Anywhere ‘19)
Google for Startups Alumna, 2018 - Present
Master of Public Administration (MPA ‘14)
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany
Distinguished Young Alumna Award, 2019
Politics & Philosophy, African Studies, Western European Studies (BA ‘10)
University of Pittsburgh
Available to work with you
Panels
Fireside Chats
Workshops
Keynotes
Startup Advisory