WHAT I DO
Solving complex problems through teamwork, inspiration, and endless curiosity.
UX DESIGN LEADER | ARTIST | PHOTOGRAPHER
I am a design leader who knows that the best work is accomplished through teamwork. As your coach and biggest cheerleader, I push my team to be the best they can be, driven by a deep desire to achieve success together.
I draw inspiration from the diverse experiences and perspectives that the world has to offer, and from dreamers and creators like Walt Disney and Nancy M.D. Johnson. With an open mind and a willingness to learn, I find valuable lessons in every experience, from running around Disney World to sailing the Mediterranean, watching movies or simply observing life.
I stay curious, dream big, and am always willing to try new things, because I know that's where the next great idea may come from.
My Career Story
Life is full of choices. Fear just makes you pause, and forces you to evaluate those choices. Not all choices are right or wrong, life or death, but they do define the next steps in your journey. A journey of zigs and zags, left and right turns, going backwards and u-turns, where each teaches a little more about you, where you teach some lessons, and learn some lessons. A life full of learning, teaching and growing.
This is my story and learn more about how I created this with a little help from ChatGPT.
Who I Am
UX Leader
I’m a coach and the biggest cheerleader. I manage diverse multidisciplinary teams, as well as dynamically manage and mentor UX professionals in globally matrixed organizations. I’m a transformational leader that fosters growth mindsets in a creative team culture where everyone has a sense of belonging and others want to be a part of.
Product Designer
I believe design isn’t a luxury but a necessity. I’m a designer that never rests as it’s who I am at the core. Design can change the world and I’ll do anything I can to make this world a little better. I work to help educate that design doesn't just belong in the digital work, but can be a part of everything you do or experience. To quote Sir Robert Baden-Powell, I will “try to leave this world a little better than I [you] found it.”
Design Thinker
I'm a huge advocate for design thinking, or structured collaboration, to drive innovation. I believe it's how you drive more inclusive discussions with groups of individuals. By eliminating or minimizing the circular conversations it allows the time and structure for the deep thinkers (the introverts) and the verbal thinkers (extroverts) to contribute.
Life Long Learner
I believe learning is at the heart of everything. It's how we grow and get better in life and at work. I think one of the greatest strengths is to have a growth mindset. I foster a culture and environment where you can learn from your successes (and your mistakes), and where you are constantly growing in your career, in whatever direction that might be.
My Values
People
At the heart of everything I do is a deep appreciation for people. Whether it's my team members, colleagues, customers, or partners, I believe that every person has something unique and valuable to offer. I strive to create an environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued, where everyone is empowered to bring their whole selves to work, and where we can all learn from and support one another. By putting people first, I believe we can create a more compassionate, collaborative, and effective workplace culture where everyone can thrive.
Process
At the heart of every successful project or initiative lies a well-designed and well-executed process. I believe that effective processes are essential to driving consistent and repeatable results, maximizing efficiency, and minimizing waste. By embracing a culture of continuous improvement and always striving to optimize our processes, it can ensure that we are delivering high-quality solutions to our customers while also fostering a productive and collaborative work environment. At the same time, I recognize the importance of flexibility and adaptability in today's rapidly changing business landscape, and am committed to staying nimble and responsive to evolving needs and priorities.
Empathy
I strive to put myself in other people's shoes and understand their perspectives, needs, and emotions. This allows me to design and deliver solutions that truly resonate with them and make a positive impact on their lives. It also helps me a better leader. Whether it's working with team members, colleagues, customers, or communities, I believe that empathy is the key to building strong relationships and fostering trust. I am committed to using empathy as a guiding principle in all aspects of my work and to continuously developing my ability to understand and connect with others.
Growth Mindset
This is at the core of my approach to personal and professional development. I believe that through continuous learning, experimentation, and embracing failure as an opportunity to grow, we can push beyond our limits and achieve our goals. By maintaining a growth mindset, I am open to new perspectives, ideas, and feedback, and always strive to improve my skills and knowledge. This mindset helps me adapt to change, take on new challenges with enthusiasm, and continuously evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing world.
Leadership
My Leadership Approach
Passion motivates me, my values drive me, and my approach is how I lead others.
Me as a Leader
Leading happens from every seat, and I’ve enjoyed and embraced it from whatever seat I was in.
Growing the Team
As my impact grew, the value of designers was evident which allowed us to grow the team.
Creative Operations
Design System
Creating a design system and accompanying libraries making up our Creative System.
Design Thinking & Design Sprints
My journey with Design Thinking and Design Sprints in unique and unsuspecting ways.
Projects
Leader Learning Labs
A 90-minute learning experience built on the three part framework anchored on hand-ons practice.
Career Launchpad
A personalized, self-led career learning plan built for everyone at Cisco and powered by Degreed.
Employee Engagement Events
Engaging employees through impactful and reimagined events centered around the human connection.
Security Space Center
Redesign of the Security Space Center program in partnership of the Security & Trust Organization.