I started my career at Net Impact, where I supported a global community of social impact leaders. I gained insight into their motivations and pain points, and used it to build resources and initiatives to support and scale our network. This was also when I first encountered design thinking — I remember feeling so excited to learn about a process that emphasized community feedback, which I had already been informally incorporating into my work.

At my next role at ZERO1, I managed international creative exchanges, where I honed my skills in program design, management, and evaluation as well as effective stakeholder communications. I also brought a high degree of cultural awareness and sensitivity from growing up between Japan and the U.S., which allowed me to empathize with and balance different perspectives to facilitate successful exchanges. 

When I took a career break in 2022 to reflect on my professional trajectory, I decided to formally develop my design skillset and pursue a career along that path. I’m now ready to support a mission-driven organization as a UI/UX designer who leads with curiosity, balances stakeholder needs effectively, and confidently navigates ambiguity. Also, having worked at smaller nonprofits, I bring a spirit of ownership and a strategic mindset to how the details ladder up to the bigger picture.