A BIT MORE ABOUT ME…
I was born in Westchester, NY, and I attended Temple University in Philadelphia. I majored in Art Education for grades K-12 and originally wanted the opportunity to help inner-city youth find their voices through artistic expression. Shortly after graduating, I was eager to get out in the real world and explore other cultures by making new experiences outside of academics. At that time, I had a friend teaching English in Busan, South Korea, and he suggested moving out there for a great post-university transition. I decided to apply that afternoon and was on a plane the following week! One year turned into two years, and I quickly realized how passionate I was about working and collaborating with international communities.
When I returned to the U.S. I decided to pursue my Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics. I loved discovering how English language teachers could directly help diverse audiences achieve their goals and truly impact their lives. During my time as an educator, my students were like my family, and I loved being able to support their unique journeys. Unfortunately, after ten years of fighting for equity and inclusion in underserved communities, I was ready for a change. However, I didn’t want to break from my desire for strategic impact.
After hearing about how transferrable many of the skills I acquired as a teacher were with UX Designers, I decided to explore a new career change. I was excited to see how my student-centric approach to education seamlessly aligned with how designers prioritize the needs of real people and their experiences, making their specific goals and interests at the heart of the design process. I believe that designers have the power to create long-lasting impressions for people and enhance their lives for the better. As an activist myself, I also have the opportunity to create meaningful user experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and consider the background of the whole person. Just like when I was a teacher!
When I’m not digging deep in all things UX, I like to spend my time rock climbing, backpacking, practicing mindfulness & yoga, cooking with friends, and traveling the world. I’ve been to 30+ countries so far, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon :)
