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 LLCStrategic 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 DesignDesign & 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 SchoolsProduct 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 CollegeFounding 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 ProgramMBA 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 CollegeAS in Visual Communication
- Strengthened visual communication and branding skills with a focus on usability and storytelling.
2014
Cal Poly San Luis ObispoBS in Nutrition
- Built skills in the scientific method, research, and biological systems.