Hello, again!

UX LEADER | WOMAN OF COLOR IN STEM/STEAM

I’ve been a designer, usability thought leader, marketing director and innovator in fashion and media for over 16 years. With a track record of successful projects and a robust range of skills in my arsenal, I’m ready for the many UX Leadership adventures sure to come.


HIGHLIGHTED SKILLS

UX Design Lead, Usability Research, Design Thinking, Information Architect, Prototyping, Usability Testing, UX Design Artifacts, Agile Methodologies

UX

Adobe XD, Figma, Sketch, Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, MIRO, MURAL, UserZoom, UserTesting, Optimal Workshop, Survey Monkey, Kanbanize, Jira, etc…

TOOLS

UX Consumability Program Lead, UX Manager, User Research Lead, Marketing Director, PM, PO, Visual Design Lead, Educator, Mentor, Career Coach

LEADERSHIP


FUN FACTS

Previously in my career, I worked as a Fashion Editor & Lead Designer for both national and international markets. I traveled to China’s Fujian province where I helped open an office, hired and trained a team of budding designers and built a new international audience for a growing fashion brand based in the Washington, DC area.

FASHION DESIGNER

As a freelance photographer traveling across the US, I worked with nonprofit orgs like the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. I also worked with media companies like MTV Tres (MTV Latin America & Spain) and Telemundo (NBC Universal Telemundo Enterprises). Celebrities i’ve photographed include: Oscar De La Hoya, America Ferrera, Eva Longoria, Rosario Dawson, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, etc…

PHOTOGRAPHER

I am a practicing silversmith/jewelry designer. I studied under a master silversmith in Washington DC and spent time mentoring budding artists in the field. My jewelry has been featured in fashion magazines and other publications throughout the US East Coast. I have had the honor of having my jewelry walk down the runway of DC’s Fashion Week and housed in many high-end boutiques throughout Washington DC and New York.

SILVERSMITH


IN DETAIL

I’ve spent much of my life navigating the mysteries of inspiration and how it comes to meet the human experience. Creating from a place of genuine curiosity, empathy and love for what I do - brings me much joy.

Previously in my career, I worked in the fashion world as a Lead Designer, Textile Designer, Photographer and Marketing Specialist, and Manager. From there I moved on to become the marketing director of an I.T. government contracting company in Washington, D.C. It was during my time in the civil service that I developed an interest in expanding my knowledge within the tech world. It was then that I increasingly became aware of the lack of diversity and found myself promoting women in technology and civil rights initiatives to bridge the socioeconomic divide in any way I could. I did this as the marketing director of a MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), WOSB (Woman Owned Small Business) and EDWOSB (Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business).

I became a UX Designer and Leader in the field because I believe in conscious, human centered design that advocates UX Design for social good, while helping bridge diverse communities and bringing women of color in STEM/STEAM into the spotlight. With my years of experience as a former fashion designer, I bring style and proven leadership to my work. I believe design is a visual communication tool that can bridge understanding for people through empathy.

Understanding the human experience is my top priority when designing. Developing products and services that aid in improving the quality of life for people and empowering them to accomplish their goals has become my calling. Continually focusing on user-centered design methodologies, I develop and create thoughtful and innovative experiences that balance user needs with business goals.

My work and leadership is dedicated to following an empathetic UX process through user research, documentation, analysis, information architecture, user flows, wireframes, user testing, iterations, mockups and validated prototypes. I strive to transform initial concepts into marketable deliverables as an empathetic UX strategist and designer. I lead and grow international design teams while providing mentorship and career coaching.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me traveling, working on jewelry as a metal-smith, taking in all that the art world has to offer by helping paint murals throughout D.C. and Baltimore, checking out the latest art exhibits and advocating to bridge diverse communities through art. I’m obsessed with my puppy and all my pet plants. I’m always ready to explore cafes and restaurants for tasty treats! Drop me a line and let’s chat over a cup of coffee!


VOLUNTEER

Women in Tech Mentor

Joelle In Love LLC.
Washington, DC & San Diego, CA
2019 - PRESENT

Educator: Inner City Youth Program

Words, Beats & Life (WBL)
Washington, DC
2015 -2019

Women in Arts Mentor

Femme Fatel
Washington, DC
2017 -2018

Photographer, Designer & Celebrity Wrangler

Hispanic Heritage Foundation
Washington, DC
2006 - 2010


A FEW BRANDS I’VE WORKED WITH