Nice to meet you!
About my career path:
My unconventional career path has given me with a unique blend of skills and perspectives, making me a versatile, adaptable, and insightful UX designer.
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I started out programming industrial embroidery machines, then creating embroidery designs-- about 100 a week-- which taught me all about solid, clean design. Strong and simple!
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I've worked at an "Amazon for music" warehouse where I learned how updated databases and inventory management are crucial to a smooth operation, and it's the seed on my interest in data visualization.
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Journalism taught me to listen to people's needs. The trick for changemakers is finding a way to express and address the nuanced needs of their community, which aligns closely with the role of a UX designer.
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Special Education taught me how to get an idea across with clarity and enthusiasm. Discovery is delight, and that's something I bring to my designs in every way I can.
UX ignites my optimism - it's a playground where anyone can thrive If they have the right tools. My diverse background, built on common sense and a hefty knowledge base, lets me solve problems creatively.
That's me: a collaborative designer fueled by curiosity about our shared narratives. Let's work together!
It all starts at the kitchen table.
Résumé
E X P E R I E N C E :
UX DESIGNER, WEB DESIGN
Freelance/Contract
2021- Present | Remote & Hybrid
Management, design, and execution of several conversion-focused websites, as well as competitive research, user research, brand strategy, brand graphic assets, and usability testing, leveraging AI to help write and brainstorm.
Clients: Cirrus Identity, Mattson Technology Inc., Global Focus Coaching, InnerCity Bliss, Project Life MBC, San Antonio Station Alliance, New Village Oakland, Maxwell Hackswell
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Strategize with cross-team stakeholders on internal and external digital product goals.
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Develop workflows with multiple departments, generating processes and tools for streamlining workflows.
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Custom-create graphic assets for web and print in alignment with vision brainstorming.
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Executed an award-winning research plan with a team of 3 researchers, creating 15+ valuable insights for development.
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Generate project management documents, research, competitive analysis, user journeys, mood boards, wireframes, and prototypes, and vector graphic packages.
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Launch websites and products to answer stakeholder needs, increasing conversion and engagement KPIs by at least 34%.
JOURNALIST
Maynard Institute of Journalism/ Oakland Voices
2014- Present | Oakland, CA
Fellow of Oakland Voices program focused on community journalism, post-fellowship author publishing with Oakland Tribune, East Bay Times, Sacramento Bee, and other journalistic publications.
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Leveraged online and analog sources for research, fact-based insights for journalistic articles.
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Crafted and conducted interviews with a variety of sources.
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Invited to panel with the Kettering Institute as advocate for community journalism (2015, 2016)
SPECIAL EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Oakland Unified School District
2017-2022 | Oakland, CA
Designed and implemented over 200 hours of instructional materials for neurodivergent children.
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Increased test scores by 20% + over the course of a year.
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Taught online over pandemic, leveraging cloud-based tools with a low-tech usership.
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Worked on School Site Committee board as advisor and co-strategist, thought leader, and advocate for the student body.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Imperial Headwear | Denver, CO
2001-2010
Created over 75 art packages monthly for a high-volume, global production manufacturer.
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Trained staff in new production software tools (AI vectors to CAD)
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Led initiatives in increasing understanding and discourse between departments, increasing productivity by 66%
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Streamlined new techniques in manufacturing onsite and overseas.
EDUCATION
FUNDAMENTALS OF AI, IBM | Online/Coursera
UX DESIGN CERTIFICATION, GOOGLE | Online/ Coursera
THE COLORADO COLLEGE | B.A., Art Studio
SKILLS
Web design, Design Thinking , wireframe creation , research design , graphic design, Figma, XD, Sketch, Adobe Suite (AI, PS, XD, ID), presentation , CAD, prototyping, data visualization.
Soft skills: Self-directed, strategic, collaborative, diversity advocate, creative, level-headed, straightforward, analytical thinking, problem solving, empathetic.
ORGANIZATIONS AND NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
SAN ANTONIO STATION ALLIANCE | Outreach Coordinator
KETTERING FOUNDATION | Panelist on Community Journalism and Democracy
OAKLAND VOICES | Journalist at Large
download resume
I asked my friends and employers to say nice things about me:
I'm passionate about:
"Being creative and bringing art and design into your environment."
I value:
"Humor, straight shooters, knowledge, curiosity"
My strengths:
"Taking a thoughtful approach to solving problems."
"Not afraid to be wrong and learning from errors."
"Collaboration, empathy, and working efficiently to get the job done."
What makes me stand out:
"Grounded, smart and cool, and a little dark."
"Breadth of trivial knowledge (liberal arts style, you know), fearless of color."
"Joyful"