I’m Jess.

I have over 15 years of experience in design strategy and human-centered design, focused on uncovering deep user needs and translating them into actionable insights, strategies, products and experiences. I lead teams and mentor designers with empathy, inclusion and humor. I take my work seriously, but not myself.

But that’s enough about me. Let’s get to work.

Selected Work

Helping to close the racial wealth gap by enabling Black Americans to find family-sustaining careers.

User Research; Design Strategy; UX Design; Workshop Facilitation; Client Management; Leadership

Helping growing families prepare for one of the biggest moments of their lives.

User Research; Content Strategy; UX Design; Visual Design; Workshop Facilitation

Helping a leading Kids Media company better understand their growing audience.

User Research; Digital Strategy; Client Management; Design Leadership

COVID and the Great Resignation hit the Bain AMERS Design Lab hard. By fall 2021, only 2 of the original 12 designers had stayed through the pandemic.

By 2023, we built the team back up to double its original size, 24 designers.

Leadership; Management; Recruiting & Hiring; Culture-Building

Leading with Empathy

  • Research & Strategy

    I uncover deep human needs and evangelize them through the organization as we look to the future.

  • Design & Execution

    I make design choices through the lens of user desirability — while balancing viability and feasibility.

  • Leadership & Mentorship

    I work to understand the humans we work with and tailor my leadership appropriately for their unique situation.