Adept in leading accessibility and diversity program implementation while developing scalable solutions for complex digital transformation. Experienced in developing product vision and facilitating change management. Dynamic and resourceful designer and product manager with expertise in crafting strategies to create innovative products and software. Results-driven professional skilled in streamlining procedures to optimize productivity and profitability. Articulate communicator with a talent for cultivating working partnerships to achieve exceptional project outcomes. Committed to pursuing opportunities for continuous professional growth and development.

Areas of Expertise

Program Management, Strategic Planning & Execution, Accessibility Vision & Mission, Thought Leadership & Mentoring, Accessibility Prioritization, UX Accessibility Requirements, Product Roadmaps, Accountability Metrics & Scorecards, Product Methodology for Inclusion & Accessibility, Accessibility Guidelines: 508, WCAG, & EN 301 549, Accessibility Partnership, Governance Framework & Processes, Standards & Quality Governance, Cross-Functional Team Building, Automated & Manual Accessibility Testing & Validation, Assistive Technology

Career Experience

Atlassian, Mountain View California 03/2020 - 07/2021

Head of Accessibility

Identified product mission. Introduced products at scale. Established new accessibility program, tools, updated documentation. Trained staff to use accessibility Software Engineering best practices so that products were accessible and functional for a vast audience with diverse needs. Defined validation procedures. Created the company’s enterprise accessibility strategy aligned with external partners’ voices and vision. Initiated development of accessibility product vision and three-year roadmap. Devised procedure to gather metrics to strengthen disabled customer voice and gauge product’s success against industry standards. Instituted workflow procedure that eliminated 85+% of Cloud Product bugs in less than one year. Cultivated strategic external partnerships across accessibility space. Designed roadmap to enhance Mobile and Cloud product accessibility in partnership with engineering, product, design, and research departments. Formed tracks of work across the matrix with Engineering, Product Management (PM), Research, and UX teams to positively impact the execution of accessible experiences for our customers. Collaborated with executives & leadership to win support for two accessibility business cases (FY20 & 21).

Pearson Global Product, Hoboken New Jersey 06/2015 - 03/2020

Head of Accessibility, 2016 – 2020

Director of Product Management, 2017 – 2020

Senior Accessibility Product Manager, 2015 - 2016

Designed business case based on customer metrics to ensure prioritization of accessibility. Managed program. Updated third-party agreements to establish a commitment to accessibility. Led internal and external messaging campaigns. Collaborated with marketing and sales teams. Gained executive approval to launch an accessibility program, which then jumped to the company’s number six business priority out of 52 programs. Founded the company’s first Executive Accessibility Steering Committee to share progress, define priorities, and build consensus. Consolidated five sets of accessibility requirements into one “source of truth.” Increased outreach activities by 600% in one year. Expanded accessibility team from one to five members, including dedicated program manager. Formed two eight-member platform quality assurance teams.

HarperCollins, New York City New York 04/2014 - 05/2015

Senior Manager of Global eBooks

Applied metrics, data, and internal dashboards to craft product development strategy and restructure operations. Collaborated with production and engineering teams to update all workflows to EPUB 3.0. Launched a cross-business accessibility program to ensure new products were released as accessible.

John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken New Jersey 04/2011 -10/ 2013

Digital Business Developer, 2012 – 2013

Manager of Digital Books, 2011 - 2012

Revised and improved product specifications. Conducted target audience research then used findings to create digital products. Defined and built new working groups. Initiated a new global product accessibility program. Streamlined operations by consolidating 12 production formats into one standard format. Successfully promoted 5 new product streams of work across the matrix. Earned promotion to Digital Business Developer position.

Unite for Literacy, New York City New York 01/2009 -04/2011

Director of Design Technology

Crafted and implemented educational programs and directed creative research projects. Designed and delivered interactive curriculum used in international literacy initiatives. Worked with a team of experts to ensure products were culturally relevant and embraced diversity.

Education

Master of Fine Arts Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island, 2002

Bachelor of Fine Arts California State University-Chico, Chico, California, 1997

Community Service

2006 - Present

VOICE: Empowered Learning President Non-profit organization integrating literacy with creative expression and technology VOICEempoweredlearning.org

Digital Product College Teaching Experience

2002 - 2011

Digital Media/ Product Design Professor and Department Chair working for Rhode Island School of Design, Albright College, Raritan College, and Bloomfield College.