Borders often divide, but they can also unite. The San Diego-Tijuana region proves this, where two cities blend cultures, identities, and possibilities. On the latest episode of Border Masters, hosts Gustavo and Monique welcome Mai Nguyen, Board Chair of World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024, to share how design is driving transformative change in the region.

Mai explains how design goes beyond aesthetics—it’s a tool for tackling challenges like homelessness, mental health, and border accessibility. Through the World Design Capital, San Diego and Tijuana became the first cross-border region to earn this prestigious designation, hosting over 600 events that bridged communities and showcased humanity-centered design.

Latino culture has long exemplified creativity and resilience, from vibrant murals to piñatas made with care. Mai’s work reflects this ingenuity, showing how small design changes—like widening sidewalks—can make life better for everyone. Most importantly, the project rewrote the narrative of the border, highlighting it as a place of connection, not division, and reaching a global audience with over 1.17 billion impressions.

This episode is a call to action: to embrace collaboration, honor cultural richness, and reimagine what’s possible at the border.

Listen now to Mai Nguyen’s inspiring vision and learn how design can transform not just our borders, but the world at olasmedia.com or your favorite platform.

As Octavio Paz said, “Deserve your dream.” Let’s design a future where everyone thrives.

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