Why User Experience
I have a degree in International Photojournalism with experience in multimedia news production and communications strategy. While working in these fields, I appreciated the ability to tell the story, but always felt I wanted to have a more prominent role crafting and influencing the story. That is why I pursued user experience by getting my Masters in Human Computer Interaction.
As a UX researcher I get to share peoples’ experiences but also collaborate with team members to create and shape products and services that become part of peoples’ stories.
My perspective
In college I had the incredible opportunity to work for a photojournalist named Art Shay. In his almost 100 years of photography he shot world leaders, famous musicians, world class athletes and events that shaped history, but he enjoyed capturing simple moments in his street photography the most. This is my favorite photograph of his and is a constant reminder of the importance of composing the narrative you want to tell, full of bold faced messages and subtle nuances.
I like to think I picked up a few tips from working with Art, capturing the everyday stories of users to make the biggest impact on products and experiences.
Right: ‘Be Kind Now’ by Art Shay, 1950Initiatives and causes I care about
Inclusive design &
digital accessibility
Ever since I was young, I was drawn to gaining a better understanding of the experience of people with different abilities. Even my high school science fair project was about the impact of integrated versus non-integrated grade schools on kids’ understanding of disabilities.
During my masters program, I was able to take courses about digital accessibility and how to make experiences accessibility to people of all abilities through inclusive design.
At United Airlines, I founded and led a cross functional Digital Accessibility Task Force. We were able to build and enhance a culture that advocated for our products and services to be accessible to all of our customers, beyond the legal requirements. We also completed an RFP process and partnered with accessibility experts at Level Access.
I really enjoy getting to share my experience and passion for ensuring people have access to all experiences, no matter their abilities. I have been lucky enough to work with people advocating for inclusion and speaking at conferences on the topic.
Here are some additional resources for digital accessibility:
Microsoft’s Inclusive Design resources (header photo credit)
Podcast: 99% invisible, episode 308 Curb Cuts
UX community
I have worked in UX in both Chicago and San Francisco, and I have really enjoyed joining these UX communities. I have always thought our group’s biggest asset is how diverse our backgrounds and skill sets are. I am always on the look out for meetups, workshops and conference locally and globally.
Ladies that UX
Last year, I joined Alicia Warren as a co-organizer of the Ladies that UX - Chicago chapter. Ladies that UX is a community of women in UX who support each other, push the UX boundaries, and promote female skill and talent. Despite the inability to gather, we have been able to host a virtual meet up with a recruiting and HR professional panel to share insights about the UX job market in times of COVID-19.
Systemic Racism Design Challenge
2020 has presented many challenges, but it has also highlighted the prejudice and racial injustice so many Americans have endured for centuries. A colleague of mine, Meredith, came to me with a call to action. We organized and are in the process of bringing together people in the design community to help non-profits and community activists further their efforts to combat systemic racism. It is just a small contribution myself and others can make to use our skill set in an effort to make a positive impact.
Local and global community
From growing up in a diverse community as well as being fortunate enough to travel since a young age, I think the best way to learn about the world is to experience people who are different than yourself. Early in my carer I told stories of many different people and perspectives during my experience in journalism and working for the Chicago Park District’s non-profit.
A few years ago I was a member of Special Olympics Chicago associate board and am now a friend of the board, attending fundraising events and photographing games and competition.
Currently I am an associate board member for The Simple Good of Chicago.
Through Social Emotional Learning and Mindfulness based youth art programming and public art projects, we transcend the message that no matter where you go in the world, good means the same to all of us – and that is what connects us as human beings.
I work with them to run student showcases, photograph events and strategize fundraising initiatives. Recently, I worked with the founder and committee members to come up with a way to continue our SEL programming when COVID-19 closed schools and community centers. I suggested we create an activity book for students to complete The Simple Good program, and within a few months we designed it and plan on printing and shipping the book to over 3,000 kids.
I love getting to use my professional skills and personal passions to contribute to organizations that make my home town better everyday.