Green.org sat down with Lori Mazor, founder of Synthetivity and a Futurist, Lori shares how she is working with universities to help prepare academic communities for a sustainable future. Synthetivity leads academic communities in envisioning and realizing the future in complex political ecosystems and under uncertain economic conditions.
Who is Lori Mazor?
Lori is an architect and visionary with a career in higher education spanning three decades. She has lead the planning, design, and operations at some of New York City’s leading academic institutions, including New York University and the City University of New York.
She is known for her innovative approach to leading academic communities through the process of envisioning the future. She turns visions into reality by laying down an agile roadmap to navigate complex political ecosystems and uncertain economic conditions.
She holds a Master of Architecture from Yale University, an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business, a BA from Wellesley College, and certification from Wharton’s Business in the Metaverse Economy.
She regularly guest lectures on design thinking, strategy, and operations. She is a multimedia artist and her creative work has been published in the New York Times, Inside Higher Education, Crain’s New York Business, and the Wall Street Journal. The American Institute of Architects presented her with the AIA Award for Design Excellence, and Crain’s New York Business named her one of its 40 Under 40 rising stars.
Lori, thank you for being here. Tell us a little bit more about you and your background:
I have a diverse background in musical theater, architecture, and university administration. With a foundation in the creative arts and a passion for design and problem-solving, I have used my skills to shape the future of higher education.
What would you do with $1 Billion dollars?
With a billion dollars, I would use the power of musical theater and the immersive potential of the metaverse to create a transformative, interactive experience that inspires people around the world to work towards a better future. I would fund the development and promotion of a musical that addresses important social issues and encourages people to take action to make a positive impact on the world. By using the latest technologies and innovative storytelling techniques, I would create a one-of-a-kind experience that engages and inspires people of all ages to be part of the solution to some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Why do you think climate change and sustainability is such an important topic today?
Climate Change and sustainability is important because it’s actionable. We can educate ourselves. We can change our behaviors. We can innovate. We are at a moment where our choices today can make a tangible impact on the future.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
Over the next ten years AI and metaverse technologies will have matured to the point that colleges and universities will engage their communities in physical and virtual continuum.
What can the average person do to make a difference?
No one is average! Every person is unique and special in their own way, and simply being oneself is the best way to make a difference.
