Team Wonder is a collective of planners, designers, and strategists who use research, data, and participatory engagement to transform cities in ways both tangible and transcendent.
Driven by a love of cities and our neighbors, we work to move us closer to justice, connection, and something larger than ourselves.
The Work We Do
We believe cities are already full of awe.
Awe – the feeling of wonder when we encounter something vast, beautiful or deeply human that expands how we see the world — is not reserved for museums or mountaintops. It happens in the bodega, on the subway, in the park. In moments of collective grief and joy. Research shows it calms the nervous system, shifts attention from self to collective, and opens space for connection, empathy, and imagination.
Our work begins there. We bring together rigorous research, participatory community engagement, and creative data tools to understand what makes cities thrive and to build the policies, places, and programs that make those conditions real and lasting.
Research & Data
Our methodology is rigorous, innovative, and community-centered combining qualitative storytelling with quantitative analysis and spatial mapping
Participatory Engagement
We work with community members as co-researchers and local institutions as research sites because the best insights come from people’s lived experiences
Perspective Shift & Systems Change
We work to change how cities see themselves and how they measure success for collective well-being
New York We Want: Past Events
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WonderSalon
Thursday, October 23, 2025
5:30-8:30pmEl Museo del Barrio
1230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029An evening of exploration and inspiration where we’ll learn about the science of awe, share our NYC love stories and explore how awe can be the beating heart of the NYC We Want - now and into the future.
Awe Talk by Dr Dacher Keltner, author of Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder
Immersive Interactive Installation by Barcelona digital futurists Domestic Data Streamers
Performances by Los Pleneros de la 21
Food courtesy of Eat Offbeat
Partners: Brooklyn Public Library, CUNY, El Museo del Barrio, City of Awe Lab (Gehl, The Gambrell Foundation & UC Berkeley initiative)
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WonderFest
Saturday, October 25, 2025
12:00-4:00pm
Brooklyn Public Library,
Sunset Park branchA one-day immersive open house rooted in Sunset Park, Brooklyn that invites New Yorkers on an embodied journey into awe through exploration, stories and community to shift perspective and spark change.
5-Minute Stories of Awe with Dr. Dacher Keltner, Host of the Science of Happiness podcast
Calling Home installation by digital futurists, Domestic Data Streamers
Mapping, art and movement activities
Performances by: Mariachi Huella Mexicana & others
Food courtesy of: Local food vendors from Sunset Park
Partners: Brooklyn Public Library, CUNY, Domestic Data Streamers, Danny Hoch, Resilient Democracy Hub and the Cities of Awe Lab - a Gehl, The Gambrell Foundation & UC Berkeley partnership
Meet the Team
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Betsy MacLean
Betsy’s career in community development, urban planning, civic engagement and social change has been driven by love, data and an abiding belief that cities must be shaped by and for the people – for democracy, the planet and our collective humanity. With twenty+ years of experience, she’s worked with governments and communities throughout the US and beyond to develop implementable, innovative, people-powered solutions to our most pressing challenges. -
Casey Wang
Part strategist, part urban planner, Casey works in the messy beauty of cities and communities. She leads with curiosity, creativity and care to turn bold visions into action, whether it’s guiding citywide engagement processes for policy change, co-designing neighborhood solutions with communities closest to the issues, or ensuring every detail, down to translated materials, is in place. An implementer by nature and a caretaker at heart, she brings big ideas to life in the everyday. -
Nisha Baliga
Nisha is a lifelong city dweller passionate about turning bold ideas into real impact. She has deep experience leading equity-driven projects and shaping innovative partnerships from initial vision to final implementation. A proud Brooklynite, first-generation immigrant, and mom, Nisha brings energy, creativity, and heart to everything she does.
Collaborators
David Woloch
As a longtime leader in New York City government and at Brooklyn Public Library, David has worked with communities throughout the five boroughs to improve its public realm through thoughtful and collaborative change. With experience in communications and community relations, David believes in the power of storytelling to move ideas forward. A (nearly) lifelong New Yorker with a passion for the City and its history, David also teaches about Public Infrastructure, with a focus on libraries, streets and parks.
Anna Pelavin
Anna is a graphic designer whose work focuses on creating tools to help people engage with the policies and processes that shape urban life. She has over a decade of experience developing popular education materials for community-based organizations and city agencies, with a focus on urban planning and land-use issues. Alongside design, Anna is an urban farmer. This parallel practice informs her design work, deepening her relationship with the city and keeping her attuned to its cycles and systems.
