2014
I got my B.A. in Photography and Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Then I freelanced, took portraits for local creatives, sold my artwork, managed a clothing business, and wrote some articles for a local arts blog, BmoreArt.
2015
The first doors to my professional career in design opened when I became the Product Photographer & Graphic Designer at a premier print studio in Maryland, Archival Arts Inc. This is where I refined my sense of working in a creative team environment to fulfill projects for clients.
2018
I finished my Master’s in Business of Art & Design at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where I learned how to conduct marketing and competitive research to develop a brand identity, and present a business and marketing plan.
View Thesis Project →
During this time, I furthered my knowledge in web design and online marketing by launching a DIY version of the brand I conceptualized for my thesis project. While I’ve now stopped selling products, I still revisit Shopify to explore its web building and SEO tools.
2020
While in quarantine, I completed the UX/UI Design Program at Thinkful to bridge into a more technical and analytical career path. This allowed me to combine my training in Psychology Research with the Design Thinking skills I developed throughout my creative journey.
2021
In May 2021, I was invited to be a Senior UI Designer & Brand Manager for a startup web development agency, CodeForma LLC. I built the foundation to their branding and design systems, and provided quality assurance auditing and design consultations for their client projects. Since then, they have restarted the business under a new name (Amira Labs) and continue to use and iterate from the original design system I created.
2022
My journey came full-circle when I joined UMBC’s Communications & Marketing team as their Web Manager & UX Specialist. Currently we’re on a mission to redesign their programs and degrees websites, and eventually the whole university site.
This role is helping me learn to navigate a wide range of responsibilities, including project management, team leadership, data analysis, and being a supportive member of a diverse academic community.
Now
In my downtime, I enjoy taking instax photos, doodling, collaging, and cooking. Nurturing the artistic side of my brain has been essential to keeping me sharp professionally. I’m also open to helping you with projects related to design, photography, writing, or anything creative! For example, I recently did a video voiceover for my friends at Amira Labs.