I am a curious, creative, and collaborative human who believes in people-centric design to change the world for good. I lead DECIDIUM, a global, human-centric design studio, where we turn crisis, chaos and culture into solutions that work. I’m passionate about empathy, integrity, and delivering meaningful impact for one problem, one project, and one person at a time. I also run KRAPKA, a modern Ukrainian-Galician diaspora streetwear brand, and I’ve led design, strategy, and innovation initiatives across government, academia, and non-profits. I stand with Ukraine and bring a people-first mindset to every collaboration.…

Chrystia Chudczak

I am a curious, creative, and collaborative human who believes in people-centric design to change the world for good. I lead DECIDIUM, a global, human-centric design studio, where we turn crisis, chaos and culture into solutions that work. I’m passionate about empathy, integrity, and delivering meaningful impact for one problem, one project, and one person at a time. I also run KRAPKA, a modern Ukrainian-Galician diaspora streetwear brand, and I’ve led design, strategy, and innovation initiatives across government, academia, and non-profits. I stand with Ukraine and bring a people-first mindset to every collaboration.…

Available to hire

I am a curious, creative, and collaborative human who believes in people-centric design to change the world for good. I lead DECIDIUM, a global, human-centric design studio, where we turn crisis, chaos and culture into solutions that work. I’m passionate about empathy, integrity, and delivering meaningful impact for one problem, one project, and one person at a time.

I also run KRAPKA, a modern Ukrainian-Galician diaspora streetwear brand, and I’ve led design, strategy, and innovation initiatives across government, academia, and non-profits. I stand with Ukraine and bring a people-first mindset to every collaboration.

See more

Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
French
Advanced
Ukrainian
Advanced
Russian
Beginner

Work Experience

Founder & Principal at DECIDIUM
May 1, 2020 - November 20, 2025
Global diverse human-centric design studio in Canada. Lead problem-solving experiences that drive solutions, with a philosophy rooted in design, empathy & integrity. We transform crises, chaos and culture into meaningful outcomes for clients including Indigenomics Institute, Privy Council Office, CANARIE, University of Ottawa, Internet Society (Canada Chapter), JICA, LIGHT-F, and Back2Back: Research & Design.
Founder & CEO at KRAPKA
January 1, 2021 - November 20, 2025
Modern Ukrainian Galician diaspora inspired streetwear brand featuring 90-day pop-ups, designed and manufactured in Canada.
Documentary Photographer at Self-employed / Various clients
January 1, 1996 - November 20, 2025
Documentary photographer with clients including Canadian Geographic, JICA, CNN, MSN, Deloitte, University of Ottawa, Tim Tierney, Shevchenko Foundation, and more.
Chief Design Officer at University of Ottawa
May 1, 2020 - May 1, 2020
The university’s first Chief Design Officer; applied design thinking to address problems in higher education, government and beyond. Helped shape Transformation 2030 and re-imagined student experiences with technology; collaborated internationally on design & digital finance initiatives.
Executive Director, ISED Innovation Lab at Innovation, Science & Economic Development Canada (ISED)
May 1, 2018 - May 1, 2018
Led Canada’s first human-centric public sector design lab, co-located in an incubator/accelerator. Worked with 70+ departments and hundreds of Canadians to co-create prototypes using empathy and emerging tech; co-chaired the Serious Games Network; organized Open Government events.
Special Advisor at Natural Resources Canada
September 1, 2015 - September 1, 2015
Supported NRCan Capital Plan digitization, inventory framework and asset disposition strategy; produced online video pitch and contributed to digital strategy; language training completed as part of role.
Assistant Commissioner, COO & CFO at Northern Pipeline Agency
February 1, 2014 - February 1, 2014
Led an environmental micro-regulatory agency; managed Canada-US treaty implementation for the Alaska Gas Highway Pipeline; modernized agency operations and stakeholder engagement including First Nations communities.
Director General Policy (Minerals & Metals) at Natural Resources Canada
August 1, 2011 - August 1, 2011
Created and beta-tested SPINE (social enterprise platform for innovation, networking & entrepreneurship); supported sustainable minerals & metals policy; international trade & development work; engaged with MAC, PDAC and CAMA.
Officer, Economic & Regional Development Policy at Privy Council Office
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2005
Managed issues and cabinet papers for committees on science & tech, commercialization, crown corporations, emergency management, regional development, and international trade; led emergency management policy review.
Director, Oceans Policy at Fisheries & Oceans
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2003
Developed Canada’s Oceans Strategy; founded the Oceans Management Research Network and the Oceans Ambassador program; contributed to policy and stakeholder engagement in ocean governance.
Principal Consultant at PwC
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 1999
Advised on international trade policy, capacity building and governance in a newly formed strategy practice; mentored junior consultants; contributed to cross-functional public sector engagements.
Director, Special Projects at Fisheries & Oceans
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 1998
Developed the first Sustainable Development Report to Parliament and advised on international fisheries trade; led special projects and policy initiatives.
Chief, International Trade at Fisheries & Oceans
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 1997
Managed international fisheries trade issues and represented Canada in negotiations; coordinated with international partners.
Senior Strategic Advisor/Negotiator Comprehensive Land Claims at Indian & Northern Affairs
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1996
Advanced tripartite land claim negotiations; modeled economic impact of resources developments on negotiations.
Economist & Assistant Negotiator NAFTA Marking Rules of Origin at Finance
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1994
Negotiated NAFTA marking rules of origin; managed policy and tariff changes within Canadian customs framework.
Senior Commodity (GST) Tax Officer & Appeals Officer at Revenue Canada
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 1992
Developed GST administrative policy; represented Canada at tax conferences; handled tax appeals and policy commentary.
Economist / Treasury Board Secretariat at Treasury Board Secretariat
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1989
Conducted research elements of the Increased Ministerial Authority & Accountability (IMAA) framework.
Lecturer & Teaching Assistant at University of Ottawa
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1989
Delivered lectures for undergraduate administration; managed assignments and examinations.
Consultant / Researcher at Public Affairs International (PAI)
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1989
Researched political and policy issues; authored issue briefs and content for firm publications.
Consultant at Ukrainian Canadian Congress
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1989
Created and piloted the Parliamentary Internship Program for university students; co-authored policy studies.
Researcher at Consumer & Corporate Affairs
January 1, 1988 - January 1, 1988
Co-authored report on Consumer and Corporate Affairs legislation.
Legislative Assistant at House of Commons
January 1, 1985 - January 1, 1985
Assisted a Member of Parliament with constituency issues; liaised with Ukrainian Canadian community.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at University of Ottawa
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 2002
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Government Relations at University of Ottawa
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1991
Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Carleton University
January 1, 1986 - January 1, 1988
LEGO Serious Play Method Certificate at Association of Master Trainers in the LEGO Serious Play Method
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Defence Resource Management at Department of National Defence (DND)
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004

Qualifications

LEGO Serious Play Facilitation Certification
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Defence Resource Management
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004

Industry Experience

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

Skills

Experience Level