Rachael Dietkus, LCSW
Digital Services Expert in Design & Social Work, United States Digital Service
Rachael Dietkus is a pioneering social worker-designer specializing in trauma-informed care and ethics within civic and public interest design and technology. With nearly 25 years of experience in social justice, Rachael most recently was the first social worker ever hired at the United States Digital Service, where she focused on integrating trauma-informed practices into federal technology projects. As the founder of Social Workers Who Design, she consults globally on design, research, and strategy projects, nurturing trauma literacy and care humility among designers. Rachael is an RSA Fellow, a Design Council Expert, and a contributor to key publications, including "Feminist Designer" and the forthcoming "This is Journey Management" and "Designed with Care: Creating Trauma-Informed Content." She is also working on her first book on care, trauma, and design with MIT Press. Rachael's work bridges the gap between social work and design, advocating for more humane, care-centered approaches in public service delivery and civic tech.
Rosenverse talks by Rachael:
" Who was involved in the process, who benefited, and who was harmed—these are critical questions from design justice. "
AI: Passionate defenses and reasoned critique [Advancing Research Community Workshop Series]
September 18, 2024
" We need to handle our own stuff first to give others permission to show up as human at work. "
Leading through the long tail of trauma (Videoconference)
July 13, 2022
" Consent is ongoing; if you sense discomfort you must pause or stop research to protect people’s well-being. "
Leading through the long tail of trauma (Videoconference)
July 13, 2022
" If you feel isolated fighting alone for inclusion, the community and curators can give you the backbone and confidence to be outspoken. "
Everything You Need to Know about the Civic Design 2022 Call for Presentations (Videoconference)
May 17, 2022
" Recognizing when a participant is uncomfortable and knowing when to soften or pause is critical in trauma-informed interviewing. "
Learnings from Applying Trauma-Informed Principles to the Research Process
March 10, 2022
" Many professionals share the goals of socially responsible design; helping professionals and designers must find ways to collaborate. "
Trauma-Responsive Design: Reimagining the Future of Design Now
December 10, 2021
" Professional spaces often suppress deep trauma behind a middle-class promise of protection that isn’t real. "
Leading through the long tail of trauma (Videoconference)
January 1, 1970
