Hi! I’m a creative leader with over 10 years’ experience across brand, content, and digital design. I’m a big-picture thinker who enjoys shaping vision as much as execution, and I’m known for cutting through the fluff, working efficiently, and helping teams focus on what truly matters. I currently co-lead international content for global audiences at Canva, delivering culturally relevant, high-quality design at scale. My background spans diversity-led creative strategy, nonprofit and social-good partnerships, and scalable design systems that enable teams to move fast without compromising quality. I’m especially passionate about working with nonprofits and purpose-driven organisations, creating inclusive content that resonates across cultures and supports meaningful change.

Harriet van Tongeren

Hi! I’m a creative leader with over 10 years’ experience across brand, content, and digital design. I’m a big-picture thinker who enjoys shaping vision as much as execution, and I’m known for cutting through the fluff, working efficiently, and helping teams focus on what truly matters. I currently co-lead international content for global audiences at Canva, delivering culturally relevant, high-quality design at scale. My background spans diversity-led creative strategy, nonprofit and social-good partnerships, and scalable design systems that enable teams to move fast without compromising quality. I’m especially passionate about working with nonprofits and purpose-driven organisations, creating inclusive content that resonates across cultures and supports meaningful change.

Available to hire

Hi! I’m a creative leader with over 10 years’ experience across brand, content, and digital design. I’m a big-picture thinker who enjoys shaping vision as much as execution, and I’m known for cutting through the fluff, working efficiently, and helping teams focus on what truly matters.

I currently co-lead international content for global audiences at Canva, delivering culturally relevant, high-quality design at scale. My background spans diversity-led creative strategy, nonprofit and social-good partnerships, and scalable design systems that enable teams to move fast without compromising quality.

I’m especially passionate about working with nonprofits and purpose-driven organisations, creating inclusive content that resonates across cultures and supports meaningful change.

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Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner
Japanese
Beginner

Work Experience

Co-lead, International Content at Canva
December 1, 2024 - Present
Co-lead international content for global audiences at Canva, delivering culturally relevant, high-quality design across markets. Led exploration, development, and rollout of AI-driven enhancements to improve team efficiency and processes. Responsible for the growth, development, and impact of six designers, as well as hiring new creative leads for other regions.
Design Lead / Founder at Haych Design
August 1, 2019 - Present
Delivered branding, digital, and print design for a range of clients end-to-end. Supported agencies including Strategy Christchurch and Not Another™ Diversity. Lead, Creative Content.

Education

Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Hons) at Massey University, Wellington
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026

Qualifications

Spanish Diploma (in progress)
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Education, Non-Profit Organization