Designing for a Better World: Paulina Raczkowska on Empathy, Ethics, and Global Impact

In a world saturated with fleeting trends, Polish-born designer Paulina Raczkowska stands out for her commitment to creating design solutions that prioritize people and the planet. With a career spanning continents and disciplines, Raczkowska’s work is deeply rooted in empathy, cultural awareness, and a driving desire to make a tangible social impact.

"For me, it always starts by asking why we’re creating something in the first place," Raczkowska explains. "Design isn’t decoration – it’s communication and intention." This philosophy has guided her journey from studying design in Wrocław and Valencia to collaborating with renowned companies and brands, all while maintaining a focus on projects that uplift communities and address critical social issues.

Raczkowska's global perspective was honed through extensive travel to Mexico, Kenya, Brazil, South Africa, and the Dominican Republic. These experiences instilled in her a profound understanding of the importance of designing with context and compassion. "Living in places like Wrocław, Berlin, Mombasa, La Paz, and Santo Domingo before moving to New York taught me one essential lesson: context matters," she said. "A visual language that resonates in New York might feel completely alien in Mombasa, and the storytelling methods that connect in Berlin might miss the mark in Santo Domingo." This awareness allows her to meticulously consider the target audience, cultural nuances, and the design's potential to serve a purpose beyond mere aesthetics.

Her portfolio reflects this commitment, consistently focusing on areas such as women's health, safety, and empowerment. Currently, Raczkowska is part of Ahoy Studio, a women-founded design agency specializing in branding and creative development for non-profit organizations and mission-driven enterprises. Through Ahoy Studios, she has contributed her design skills to projects addressing mental health, gender equity, and community well-being. "Those projects are a constant reminder that design can be a tool for advocacy, care, and social impact – not just commerce," she said.

Raczkowska's dedication to purpose-driven work extends beyond her professional commitments. She actively participates in volunteer projects, most notably with Dames, a New York-based community-based brand. Dames operates on a shared-skills model, fostering a collaborative environment where individuals contribute their talents simply for the joy of creating. "What drew me in was the fact that it was simply about people coming together for the joy of creating." Raczkowska explains. "It’s a space where everyone contributes their skills, perspectives, and energy to build something bigger than themselves. No egos, no hierarchy — just shared creative freedom and genuine connection."

The success of Dames has spurred Raczkowska and fashion designer Katlyn O'Malley, the founder of Dames, into exciting plans for the future. They are exploring the transition of Dames into a creative production studio, aiming to connect creatives from Berlin and Warsaw with New York. This initiative seeks to cultivate a platform for multidisciplinary projects that connect diverse creative communities across cities.

The shared-skills model of Dames, where everyone has something valuable to offer, unlocks a unique kind of creative freedom. Raczkowska emphasizes, "We invite people from New York — artists, musicians, dancers, DJs, photographers — to join shoots, events, and projects simply because they want to. There’s no pressure, no gatekeeping, and no financial incentive driving it. It creates a sense of ownership, connection, and belonging for everyone involved."

Raczkowska's passion for meaningful work stems from a deeper belief in the power of design to shape a more equitable and inclusive world. "For me, meaningful work is about creating with intention," she states. "It’s about using design to amplify underrepresented voices, challenge assumptions, and build visual and physical spaces where people feel seen, valued, and included. It means resisting empty, trend-driven statements and instead designing systems, campaigns, and narratives rooted in empathy and authenticity."

Beyond Dames and Ahoy Studios, Raczkowska curates personal projects that explore the intersection of art, culture, ethics, and community. One such project is a portrait series capturing local New York creatives in meaningful, often overlooked locations around the city. These images aren't just fashion portraits; they represent intimate, unfiltered moments reflecting the communities these artists cherish.

Raczkowska emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in design, highlighting how immersion in diverse communities broadened her understanding of storytelling and visual language. "Being fully immersed in these different communities gave me the ability to notice the textures, rituals, and stories most travelers might miss," she says. "It taught me to listen first, design second — and to always ask whose story is being told, how it’s being framed, and who might be excluded from the narrative."

An example of her commitment to inclusivity and accessibility can be found in her work on a research-driven platform developed by Camber Collective with support from the Gates Foundation. The platform focuses on revitalizing economic mobility in the United States by identifying pivotal life experiences that shape financial futures. The project was approached with a human-centered design philosophy, using thoughtful visuals, clear language, and interactive tools to make complex, data-heavy research approachable.

Paulina Raczkowska’s work is a testament to the transformative power of design when guided by empathy, ethical considerations, and a global consciousness. Her dedication to creating with intention and amplifying underrepresented voices serves as an inspiration for designers and professionals alike, demonstrating that design can be a powerful force for good in the world. She champions designs that not only move beyond aesthetics, but also "hold space for nuance, complexity, and care." Her future co-founding of a creative production studio with Katlyn O'Malley promises to further solidify her commitment to socially responsible content creation and a more beautiful, equitable, and safe world for everyone.