Zarinah is a scientist by training and now runs two non-profits. One dedicated to the study of social science in the wild, and one dedicated to engineering experimental spaces where humans can ‘be otherwise’. Together these allow Zarinah to both prefigured new social configurations, as well as study them. These experimental spaces projects range from radical reading rooms, co-living spaces, to prison abolition and The Alternative Justices Project. The Second Life Project is a community centered around the needs and wisdoms of returning citizens, that centers collective emancipation and stewarded autonomy at its core. They have recently helped to start two intentional community houses centered around the experience of returning citizens. Zarinah stewards Haight Street Commons, a Bay Area organization that brings together people from different co-living spaces and helps them cross-pollinate, collaborate and create a parallel economy. Together all of these diverse endeavours fall into the realm of helping humans be and live otherwise.