Director of Marketing, Brand, and Design

October 2019 – September 2024

My experience at Tradeblock allowed me to experience the rush and learnings of early stage start up life and how to become an operator. I led and brought to market multiple 0-1 initiatives. It solidified my desire to pursue future opportunities that combine my passion for sneakers, community, and marketplace technology.

At Tradeblock, I was the first non-founder hire and served on the Executive Team, reporting directly to the CEO. I started as the Founding Designer and Brand Experience Lead and grew into the Director of Marketing, Design, and Brand. I played a key role in scaling Tradeblock from an initial proof of concept to a venture-backed marketplace generating millions in annual revenue.

I led marketing and creative teams of up to 10, overseeing the strategy and execution of all digital and in-person marketing efforts. My responsibilities spanned Product, Web, Email, Ads, Social, Influencer Marketing, Partnerships, PR & Media, and Events.

Building something from the ground up for the sneaker community—by the sneaker community—was an incredible experience. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have shaped a brand that resonated with sneaker collectors and enthusiasts while building relationships in the industry that I once could only dream of.

Sr. Product Design Lead and Strategy Consultant

July 2014 – August 2021

My experience and the people at IBM were foundational to my career success. My mentors and leaders emboldened me to experiment, develop horizontal skills, and acquire knowledge about various industries while teaching me to embrace my value and expertise as a creative generalist.

At IBM, I was among the first 150 designers hired into the IBM Design Program during a pivotal period (2013–2018) when the company was focused on driving innovation through design.

Throughout my time at IBM, I wore many hats across multiple teams—starting as a UX Designer, evolving into a Design Strategy Consultant, then Global Design Community Program Manager, and ultimately leaving as a Sr. Product Design Lead.

As part of scaling IBM’s design workforce from 0 to 2,500 designers in just five years, I contributed to key initiatives, including talent recruitment, onboarding and mentoring junior designers, leading culture and community-building efforts, and helping establish IBM’s DesignOps discipline.

I had the privilege of collaborating with internal executive design leaders and leading external client engagements with companies such as AT&T, Ernst & Young, Facebook, Marriott, Mercedes-Benz, PepsiCo, Samsung, Tractor Supply, Verizon, and more.

Director of Programming

June 2018 – August 2021

My experience at AIGA Austin opened my eyes to the various needs and desires of the design and creative community in Austin, and it allowed me to give back locally.

As a volunteer with AIGA Austin, I began as a Board Explorer before being appointed Director of Programming. I served on the Chapter’s Executive Board, where I was responsible for developing programming (events and activities) for Austin’s design and creative community.

In collaboration with the executive team and board volunteers, I helped shape the strategy and execution of both in-person and digital programs. I also led partnered initiatives with other local and national creative communities, including Creative Mornings and General Assembly.

One of the highlights was hosting an event with Austin FC, where local brand studio The Butler Bros shared the story behind creating the brand identity for Austin FC.