Mariah's Biography

Mariah works as a meeting designer, teacher, and visual thinking specialist. She helps clients like non-profit organizations, corporations, and community groups to translate their visions, processes, plans – anything! – into engaging images. Whether she’s listening to a keynote at a large conference or sitting at the table during a small meeting, Mariah captures her clients’ key messages and themes in Visual Records – metaphors, images, and words that she draws in real time. She also loves designing meetings that tap into the wisdom of groups and their ability to think together. Mariah teaches the practice of visual thinking in public and private workshops, building on participants’ innate creativity and desire to communicate effectively. She lives in beautiful Oakland, CA, with her husband and lots of art supplies.

Please contact her at howard.mariah@gmail.com to find out how to bring visuals into your work.

Her clients include: Genentech, Salesforce.com, PepsiCo, Nike, The United Way, GlaxoSmithKlein, AAA, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), The Veteran’s Association, and many more!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Mapping from home, a Cyber Cafe on privacy

This map was commissioned by the National Science Foundation through a wonderful company called weDialog - experts in offering on-line conversations and events. What you see above is one of the results of an on-line World Cafe, called 'SaTC Cyber Cafe'  aimed at identifying "critical issues in cybersecurity...designed to encourage collaborative research between computer science and the social sciences."

From the comfort of my home studio I listened to two, forty minute dialogs on the subject of cybersecurity and privacy. I drew while I listened, scanned my notes, added color in Photoshop and voila! You can see the results. 

I believe the art of hosting on-line discussion, complete with Visual Recording of course, is a critical 21st century skill. We need to bring together voices from around the world in an on-line platform by maintaining a space that mirrors the intimacy of in-person conversation. 


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Synthesis Map

Here's an example of Synthesis Mapping: during an event I make small notebook size map and then review it with key stakeholders while the large group is on a break. We have a brief chat, check out the highlights that were captured in a small map, and decide what info and imagery should show up in the Synthesis Map. Then I get to work!

Friday, August 31, 2012

Visionary Leadership

I'm elated to be able to share these maps because they depict a series of conversations with leaders who are committed to engaging their work in a holistic and authentic way. The first map was created live during a talk given by a leader who presented a roadmap for his team.

The map below was inspired by a conversation about creating personal and collective masterpieces through the work and vision of individuals and teams.


The content in each flower came from individual team members expressing their vision for their personal masterpiece. 

In this map team members responded to the question: "Remember when you were a part of a successful team producing great results under demanding circumstances. What were the conditions that brought out the best in you and allowed you to flourish as a team?" I recorded their answers as they stood around the map at the end of their retreat. 




Inspiring Schools

I was elated to get to work with the inspiring and kind people of Highline Public Schools. During their Administrative Retreat, staff and faculty discussed the book, 'Pedagogy of Confidence' by Yvette Jackson. In a powerful and engaging presentation, superintendent Dr.Susan Enfield shared her hopes for the future of Highline, inspired by the ideas raised in the book. The map is a synthesis of Dr.Enfield's vision.



Tuesday, February 14, 2012

BSidesSanFrancisco: A Security Conference

So very happy to be working at this year's BSides Security conference right across the Bay in San Francisco. This conference is such a cool idea: all the folks who don't make it on the roster of the BIG, well funded security conferences still have something to say. So let's let 'em talk. And all the folks who'd like to go to the BIG, heavily-sponsored conferences but don't want to pay hotel, airfare and steep prices...let's let 'em in for free! Tah-dah: you've got BSides. I could say more, but I'll map instead:


Monday, January 9, 2012

Maps of the Hero's Journey

Working with a team of facilitators at Genentech, I created a series of large-scale templates that were filled in during a celebration designed for participants to reflect on their year long study of the Hero's Journey. 







The Strongheart Fellowship Program and Grace's story


This map was created after I heard a beautiful and compelling talk given by Grace, a Strongheart Fellow and the founder of Strongheart, Zoe Adams. Grace shared her amazing life story with a group of leaders, focusing on how we all have to develop courage and wisdom to attain our goals. Zoe explained the mission of Strongheart and how their work with young people is changing the world. Please visit the Strongheart site here.