Since 2021Makena FordManager, Product Design

How did you get into design?

I was premed in my undergrad and quickly realized upon graduating that medical school was not the path for me. I started working for a tech company and discovered the world of UX design. I'm a super artistic person but I also love using my brain to solve complex problems. UX was the perfect combination of my two passions. I dove head first into the world of design and didn't look back.

Best lifehack?

Invest in meaningful friendships.

Favorite tool?

Micronpens, Notion and Figma.

Where do you find #inspiration?

Basically anywhere outdoors, especially on mountain summits or on the beach.

One thing you are getting better at?

Learning guitar, wish me luck. I'm also always trying to improve my illustration and painting skills.

If you weren't designing, what would you be doing?

Traveling, volunteering and hiking the world. Doing art and design in my free time.

What does your desktop/home screen look like?

I'm a huge studio ghibli nerd, and I designed my phone home screen with custom ghibli art widgets.

Favorite place to visit?

Japan was incredible. The culture is so unique and interesting. The temples and landscapes are super beautiful. Plus there's lots of good sushi :).

Last book you read?

"Dune" by Frank Herbert.

Favorite superhero

Raven from teen titans.

Most effective productivity booster?

Coffee, good music and a notetaking app.