Leadership
One key part of establishing a successful team is making sure that every team member feels emotionally safe and is accepted for who they are.
As a leader it is crucial that I model what that means: creating and respecting boundaries while being curious about each team member; making space for providing and receiving feedback so we can learn from each other; sharing power while expressing expectations clearly.
As a leader it is crucial that I model what that means: creating and respecting boundaries while being curious about each team member; making space for providing and receiving feedback so we can learn from each other; sharing power while expressing expectations clearly.
Building Teams
For the last decade I've had the honor and privilege to help build teams of designers that operate as a supportive collective while integrating themselves into cross-functional teams working on parallel projects.
I also train design teams to seek out connections with all parts of their organization. Humility and curiosity are a must.
I also train design teams to seek out connections with all parts of their organization. Humility and curiosity are a must.
Culture
Something I've learned from many leaders who've come before me is take the work of contributing to company culture very seriously, as truly effective design teams need special conditions to thrive.
Below are some of the activities I have organized and promoted to include colleagues from all departments:
Below are some of the activities I have organized and promoted to include colleagues from all departments:
- Open Studio sessions I call Design Discos (a curated playlist plays in the background)
- Hands-on workshops like “So You Think You Can Sketch?”
- Sharing my expertise on learning and building emotional intelligence skills that can be applied to the workplace
- Becoming a founding member for company initiatives like a Scholarship Program and a Social Justice Task Force
My Local Community
Wherever life has taken me, I always seek out local opportunities to volunteer and to share my experiences with others, in order to hold the door open for others for whom the tech industry has not been welcoming.
In recent years I have presented my work at conferences, academic institutions, and design meetups including Yale Child Study Center Grand Rounds, Building Learning Communities Conference, and Triangle UXPA.
Additionally, I have been mentoring Urban Tech Project (Philly) since 2022 and have been board Member @ I'll Go First since 2017, where we've developed programs for healing through storytelling, including a collaboration with The Moth.
In recent years I have presented my work at conferences, academic institutions, and design meetups including Yale Child Study Center Grand Rounds, Building Learning Communities Conference, and Triangle UXPA.
Additionally, I have been mentoring Urban Tech Project (Philly) since 2022 and have been board Member @ I'll Go First since 2017, where we've developed programs for healing through storytelling, including a collaboration with The Moth.