Story

Hi! I’m a proud Mexicana, first-generation American, and former educator turned UX designer.

Before I got into tech, I spent a decade in the service industry, where I learned the kind of soft skills no textbook can teach—empathy, adaptability, and how to read people without them saying a word. Those early roles shaped how I show up today: as a designer who listens first and thinks from the user’s side of the counter.

After earning my degree and becoming a certified Spanish teacher in Texas, I taught multiple levels of Spanish in one of the largest high schools in Austin. I eventually led a team of educators focused on closing achievement gaps—designing curriculum, building tools, and getting creative about how to connect with students from all walks of life.

When the pandemic hit and everything shifted online, I found myself reimagining what it meant to “design” an experience. Teaching virtually meant anticipating student needs, adjusting content delivery, and finding ways to keep them engaged from a distance. Without knowing it, I had started thinking like a product designer. 

A few conversations (and late-night Googles) later, I found the words for what I was already doing: Human-Centered Design. Curious to take that work further, I dove deep into UX research, usability testing, and product design. I completed a year long course in the evenings while working as a teacher during the day. I conducted real-world case studies, collaborated with peers, and found myself energized by the creative and strategic side of solving user problems.

Today, I’m a UX designer at DaySmart, working on pet care and self-care products across mobile and web. I work closely with product teams to translate user insight into strategy—and strategy into experiences that are clear, inclusive, and delightfully usable. 

Outside of design, I lead DEI initiatives at work, advocate for inclusive design, and am always on the hunt for the best pan dulce in town.