From Tech Strategy to Design Leadership to Education, I've been in the digital product space for over ten years and have been loving every bit of it!
Full Time Experience
Leveraging my background in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, AI, Human-Centered Design, Frontend Development, and Visual Design, as well as my experience in education and entrepreneurship, I lead teams that implement innovative tech and design practices and processes at scale. I bring my 12+ years of tech and design experience, 6 years of management experience, and my 5+ years of teaching experiences to the teams I work with.
Latest Notable Roles
AI & Web Dev Instructor @ America on Tech
Tech, AI, & Design Instructor @ CUNY
Head of Tech & Design & HuCapital
Director of Product Design at Heady
Director of Product Design at NYC Tourism
Higher Education Experience
I'm incredibly passionate about educating the next generation of technologists, designers, and creatives. I've had the great pleasure of doing so at CUNY (City University of New York) as a tech, AI, and design educator, America on Tech as an AI and Web Dev educator, and at General Assembly as a design educator.
Featured Courses
Artificial Intelligence for Professionals
Intro to Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Work
Augmented Reality for UX Designers
Intro to Designing Technology
UX Design Entrepreneurship
UX Design Capstone
Bootcamp Education Experience
I started my teaching journey at a number of tech bootcamps as an instructor and mentor.
Featured Courses
Lead User Experience Instructor at General Assembly (6x)
User Experience Mentor at CareerFoundry (~50 students)
User Experience Mentor at DesignLab
Speaking Experience
To put it simply, I love sharing ideas about Design & Tech with an audience in fun and creative ways. Learn more about my speaking experience below and feel feel to send me a message if you'd like me to speak at one of your events!
Speaking Topics
The Future of the Tech & Design Industry
Future Careers in Tech & Design
Pursuing a Career in Tech or Design
Design Systems & Systems Thinking
Design Systems & Systems Thinking
Design Strategy & Business in Design
Diversity & Inclusion in Tech & Design
Community & Volunteering
Rita Lab
I am the founder of Rita Lab, a next generation community focused on technology, entrepreneurship, creativity, and the future. We offer connection and opportunities, in-person and online events, and resources and support to anyone leveraging tech on their come up, from career seekers to entrepreneurs.
In addition to managing the team of volunteers and all operations, I also teach bi-monthly seminars of 20+ students each for tech and design beginners covering a range of topics.
Featured Courses
AI as a Creative & Strategic Partner: Unlocking the Future of Work Today
Intro to Systems Thinking in Technology
Intro to Frontend Development
Intro to Digital Equity
UX Come Up
I started a UX community named UX Come Up with my co-organizer, Pamela, to provide a space for UX beginners to learn and grow. We hosted monthly events and managed a community of over 2,000 members. UX Come Up ran from 2019 to 2021.
FEATURED EVENTS
Diverse Voices in Design: Leveraging Your Superpower
Black Voices in UX: Inspiring Journeys
What Makes a Leader? Celebrating Asian Voices in Design
Storytelling Through an Authentic Lens: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Voices in Design