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Hi there! 


Thanks for stopping by. It’s me, 2025 Michelle. I’m a hybrid designer energized by a love of making. Approaching the design process with a deep emphasis on systems and user needs, I lead teams to design solutions and craft compelling narratives that drive meaningful impact.

Check out my resume or reach out!




Experience



2025 - Present

Contract, OG Services LLC

Strategic Business & Product Innovation Lead
  • Lead growth initiatives to evolve business offerings beyond Responsible AI into broader AI productization and innovation.
  • Design market research, product strategy, brand positioning, and business model development to scale services and revenue.


2017 - Present

Freelance, MZ Design

Design & Strategy Consultant
  • Develop sustainable branding and visual design packages for businesses to grow and thrive. 
  • Create user-centric product and visual design solutions through storytelling that have an emotional impact move audiences to drive positive action. 
  • Partner with thought leaders to develop impactful, user-centered learning materials that transform how students gain insights and experiences.
  • Organize and plan thoughtful outreach campaigns through strategic channels to drive traffic and increase business impact. 
  • Design product roadmaps that drive business results.

2020 - 2022

Full Time, Citizen Schools

Product Design Lead, Production


  • Lead cross-disciplinary teams in product and visual design for various digital projects including VR, web, mobile, socials
  • IC - UX design and research, visual design, branding, content creation, and production.
  • Secured funding to sustain and maintain the production and operations of up to 25 Makerspaces nationally.


2017 - 2020

Full Time, Sacramento City College

Founding Member & Creative Director


  • Launched Sacramento City College’s first makerspace, securing $800K in funding through strategic storytelling and grant proposals.
  • Designed an innovative internship model, later expanded to five community colleges, connecting students with realworld business challenges.
  • Developed a user-centered tool to streamline machine training, improving student access to makerspace resources.
  • Produced high-impact videos & campaigns, driving stakeholder engagement, institutional investment, and program expansion.


Education


2024

California College of the Arts, Dual Masters Program

MBA in Design Strategy


  • Integrated design, leadership, and business strategy to craft innovative, user-centered solutions that drive sustainable growth.
  • Built expertise in systems thinking, market insights, and practical design methodologies through hands-on, client focused projects.

MFA in Visual Design


  • Developed advanced creative, critical, and technical skills with an emphasis on critical inquiry and pushing the boundaries of contemporary design.



2017

Sacramento City College

AS in Visual Communication


  • Strengthened visual communication and branding skills with a focus on usability and storytelling.



2014

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

BS in Nutrition


  • Built skills in the scientific method, research, and biological systems.