Symphony Chau is the Assistant Director of Communications at the Center on International Cooperation (CIC) at New York University, where she oversees CIC’s daily communications efforts, including content creation, editing, and strategic planning. She drives strategic communications efforts to translate complex topics into accessible and meaningful messages to reach policymakers, civil society, and the general public. Her achievements at CIC include co-developing the Inequality Solutions portal, leading the rebranding of cic.nyu.edu, and shaping the editorial direction of CIC Perspectives, a monthly thought leadership series from CIC’s Executive Director.
Before joining CIC, she served as the Communications Lead at the Center for Active Design, a leading nonprofit championing design for healthy, engaged communities through neighborhood, housing, and workplace initiatives. There, she led the organization’s communications, public relations, and marketing strategies, in addition to advancing the growth of Fitwel, the world’s top certification for healthy buildings.
Her earlier career centered on social impact communications and development in New York City nonprofits—including roles at the Center for All Abilities in Manhattan’s Chinatown, Zone 126 in Astoria and Long Island City, and the Harlem Educational Activities Fund. She is an alumna of the New York City Civic Corps, an AmeriCorps program run by NYC Service, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from American University in Washington, D.C.
