Researcher, Storyteller, and Advocate

It started on a banana farm

Originally from Venezuela, my early years were spent living on a banana farm. When I was five, my family and I moved to Freehold, New Jersey (hometown of Bruce Springsteen!) and the land of diners.

Ode to books

Books helped me learn how to speak English and a love of reading led me to a job at Penguin Random House. As Managing Editor, I oversaw the publication of 1,000 books, managed a team of 16 editors, and crafted my storytelling skills.

While there, I worked on the book Listen Like You Mean It by multitalented UX Research extraordinaire Ximena Vengoechea.

She wrote about ways to improve your communication skills and introduced me to the world of User Research.

Why I’m a UX Researcher

As an immigrant, my background cultivated my observational skills and sensitivity to diverse environments. UX Research offers the opportunity to engage with people and provide a space to share lived experiences.

I find immense satisfaction in advocating for users, while amplifying their voices.

Having experience with B2B/B2C companies, government agencies, academic institutions, and startups, I hold the mission of each of these places in high regard as I aim to utilize tech for positive impact.

Quick video on how to make Venezuelan arepas!

I led the Knowledge Cafe series at the Univ of Wash, a platform designed for the Office of Research to explore topics and learn from each other.

Work Experience

    • Lead UX Research for a B2B/B2C AI startup that empowers users to make informed decisions about their data and privacy rights

    • Conduct generative and evaluative research including ethnographic studies, surveys, interviews, and usability tests

    • Deliver research insights that influence the product strategy and guide the product roadmap

    • Collaborate with key stakeholders, the product team, and engineering

    • Sole UX Researcher overseeing the entire UX Research process for the database system supporting a $1.9 billion research enterprise

    • Conducted 180 hours of usability tests, user interviews, & focus groups, & designed 30 surveys, influencing designs across the UW website & database systems impacting 70,000 students, faculty, & staff

    • Presented research insights, recommended development prioritization, & collaborated with leadership to create mid-to-long-term roadmaps

    • Partnered & coached UXD, CX, BA, product owners, & developers on research opportunities & practices

    • Developed the first UX Research repository, providing team members with access to current & archived Research data

    • Served as the Communications Chair on the Executive Board of Directors, representing 10,000 UW staff members, & managing the Communications team

    • Delivered Qualitative Research studies to guide startups in navigating their data & AI

    • Collaborated with data analysts to formulate data & AI roadmaps informed by research insights

    • Led 60-minute client workshops, created comprehensive research plans, screener surveys, interview guides, & managed all recruitment efforts

    • Performed cognitive interviews to test AI products. Built tailored solutions & strategies for clients’ needs

    • Managed UX Research initiatives for 12 U.S. government agency websites focusing on health & well-being, clean energy, human services, transportation, & child care

    • Developed research strategies, conducted 80 hours of usability testing, & facilitated 20 hours of workshops to gather valuable user insights & feedback

    • Synthesized research findings & presented actionable solutions to product owners, UXD, developers, & clients ensuring alignment with user needs & project goals

    • Supervised a team of 16 editors & led the publication of over 1,000 books & 100 New York Times bestsellers

    • Partnered with editors, publishers, designers, copyeditors, product managers, & sales teams to develop & execute roadmaps for each book

    • Researched, analyzed, & presented data findings to inform publication strategy

    • Managed all book materials to ensure deadlines were met, supervised every step of the publication process

    • Corresponded with international media companies regarding file sales for foreign publications