Whether Tech & Innovation Strategy, Leadership, or Education, I've been in the digital space for over ten years and have been loving every bit of it!
Full Time Experience
Leveraging my background in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, AI, Human-Centered Design, Frontend Development, and Design & Systems Thinking, as well as my experience in education and entrepreneurship, I lead teams that implement innovative practices and processes at scale. I bring my [almost 15 years of experience in tech] and [around 7 years of experience managing teams and teaching the next generation of technologists] to the teams I work with.
Latest Notable Roles
Innovation Manager (Tech) @ CUNY
Head of Innovation (Tech, AI, Design) & HuCapital
Tech, AI, & Design Instructor @ CUNY
AI, Web Dev, Product Instructor @ America on Tech
Director of Product Design at NYC Tourism
Higher Education Experience
I'm incredibly passionate about educating the next generation of technologists, builders, designers, and creatives. I've had the great pleasure of doing so at CUNY (City University of New York) as a tech, AI, and design educator, curriculum designer, and instruction facilitator.
Featured Courses
Artificial Intelligence for Professionals
Intro to Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Work
Augmented Reality for UX Designers
Intro to Designing Technology
UX Design Entrepreneurship
UX Design Capstone
Bootcamp Education Experience
I started my teaching journey at a number of tech bootcamps as an instructor and mentor.
Featured Courses
Lead User Experience Instructor at General Assembly (6x)
User Experience Mentor at CareerFoundry (~50 students)
User Experience Mentor at DesignLab
Speaking Experience
To put it simply, I love sharing ideas about Tech, Innovation, Emerging Technology, Design & Systems Thinking, and the Future of Work with an audience in fun and creative ways. Learn more about my speaking experience below and feel feel to send me a message if you'd like me to speak at one of your events!
Speaking Topics
The Future of the Tech Industry
Future Careers in Tech & the Future of Work
Pursuing a Career in Tech
Systems Thinking & Design Systems
Design Thinking & Human-Centered Design
Tech, Digital, & Business Strategy
Innovation, Innovation Thinking, Innovation Management
AI, AI Ethics, AI Solutions, AI Productivity
Emerging Technology, AI, AR, & More
Ethics in Tech, Accessibility, & More
Community & Volunteering
Rita Lab
I am the founder of Rita Lab, a next generation community focused on technology, entrepreneurship, creativity, and the future, which was active from 2021-2024. We offered connection and opportunities, in-person and online events, and resources and support to anyone leveraging tech on their come up, from career seekers to entrepreneurs.
In addition to managing the team of volunteers and all operations, I also taught bi-monthly seminars of 20+ students each for tech and design beginners covering a range of topics.
Featured Courses
AI as a Creative & Strategic Partner: Unlocking the Future of Work Today
Intro to Systems Thinking in Technology
Intro to Frontend Development
Intro to Digital Equity
UX Come Up
I started a UX community named UX Come Up with my co-organizer, Pamela, to provide a space for UX beginners to learn and grow. We hosted monthly events and managed a community of over 2,000 members. UX Come Up ran from 2019 to 2021.
FEATURED EVENTS
Diverse Voices in Design: Leveraging Your Superpower
Black Voices in UX: Inspiring Journeys
What Makes a Leader? Celebrating Asian Voices in Design
Storytelling Through an Authentic Lens: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Voices in Design