For over a decade, I thrived in high-stakes environments as a Data Links, Mission Planning, and Communications Manager in the military. Navigating complex missions with my team, I discovered that high-pressure situations weren’t just challenging—they were exhilarating! Leading through the chaos, solving intricate problems, and keeping communication flowing felt like second nature. It was in these moments that I sharpened my leadership and decision-making skills, learning how to make quick, impactful choices.

Aviation has always been a passion of mine, so naturally, I pursued a degree in Aeronautical Science, where I got to dive deep into everything from airfoil design to flight systems management. Photography, much like aviation, strikes a balance between technical mastery and creative exploration, and that’s what keeps me hooked. As I explored the technical side of aviation, I was also refining my photography skills, developing an eye for colors, balance, and composition. My ability to understand padding and negative space gave me a unique perspective on both the engineering and aesthetic aspects of flight safety and design.

When I transitioned into a Product Manager role at Texas Health, I was eager to tackle the new challenge of improving underperforming systems. It quickly became clear that the issue wasn’t just a lack of direction—it was a misunderstanding of what users truly needed. I led the charge to create systems that were more intuitive and user-focused, using cross-functional collaboration to redefine what success looked like. Now, as a second-year grad student at the University of Michigan, I’m applying all that operational experience to UX design. My goal? To ensure data is presented in ways that make decision-making not just easier, but more meaningful. After all, it’s not just about the information—it’s about how we connect with it!