Education & Career
2015
I double-majored in Photography and Psychology and got my B.A. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
After graduating, I took portraits for local creatives, sold my artwork, managed a clothing business, and wrote some articles for a local arts blog, BmoreArt.
The first doors to my career in design opened when I became the Product Photographer & Image Editor at Archival Arts Inc. – a local print studio in Maryland. This is where I learned that I enjoy working with a small creative team to fulfill projects for clients.
2018
I finished my Master’s in Business of Art & Design at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where I learned how to conduct marketing and competitive research to develop a brand identity, and present a business and marketing plan.
By launching a DIY version of the brand I created for my thesis project, I gained more web design and digital marketing knowledge.
2020
While in quarantine, I completed the UX/UI Design Program at Thinkful to bridge into a more technical and analytical career path that combines my training in Psychology Research with the Design Thinking skills I developed throughout my creative journey.
2021
A startup web development agency, CodeForma LLC invited me to be a UI Designer & Brand Manager. I built the foundation to their brand design system, and provided design guidance on client projects. They’re now known as Amira Labs, and we’re still affiliated today through our overlapping professional network.
2022
My career journey came full-circle when I returned to UMBC as a Web Manager & UX Specialist on their marketing and digital strategy team. Here, I stepped into a broader range of responsibilities including project management, training and customer support, conducting user research, navigating leadership politics, and being a supportive member of a diverse academic community.
2024
While looking to expand my visual design skills, I was invited to be a UI/UX & Graphic Designer for Ready Artwork, an AAPI-owned digital marketing agency based in Monrovia, CA. They specialize in elevating mid-market B2B businesses and government-contracted environmental initiatives. I’m thrilled to contribute to projects that align with my interests and values.
Outside of Work
Nurturing the artistic side of my brain is essential to keeping me sharp professionally. I enjoy hands-on crafts like instax photography, collaging, doodling, embroidery, and cooking. When I’m not doing artsy things, I like going running, hiking, and traveling to try traditional foods from different cultures.
I’m an animal lover, mental health advocate, and huge supporter of independent creatives, particularly those involved with AANHPI and LGBTQIA+ communities.