Hi, I’m Nina
A tenacious, loving, and energetic design leader who runs on sunshine, snacks, and sketching.
I’m a seasoned design leader with 17+ years of experience crafting impactful digital experiences across diverse industries and platforms. From consumer to B2B, I’ve designed solutions in entertainment, e-commerce, fashion, fintech, and news. As a leader, I’m dedicated to nurturing collaborative, holistic designers & leaders, building strong relationships, creating design practices that inspire collaboration, and fostering a culture that people are excited to be a part of 🤝.
Experience
Yahoo
For the past eight years, I’ve worked across a wide range of products at Yahoo, building amazing teams and collaborating with talented designers and partners. I was also part of the steering committee for the Design Associate Program, focused on mentoring the next generation of designers, and a mentor with Design Blazers, where I helped shape future design leaders.
Polyvore
At Polyvore, a unique and beloved 2016 Webby nominee, I helped shape a socially-powered e-commerce experience with an incredibly smart and passionate team. The experience left a lasting impact on me, both professionally and personally.
NBC Universal
Led UX, interaction, and visual design for the 2015 Emmy Nominee, Clio Bronze-winning, Shorty Finalist SNL 40 app. I also led multi-platform voting experiences for America’s Got Talent and The Voice, allowing users to engage and vote from their devices. Additionally, I worked on web and app experiences for other NBCU properties.
The Walt Disney Animation Studios
As a UX Designer on the studio’s brand and talent development team, I had the privilege of working with some incredible animators and crew on Frozen, Big Hero 6, and Zootopia. Fun fact: You can probably spot my name in the credits of a Disney film!
Disney ABC Family & ABC Television
Worked on web experiences, building ad campaigns and developing video co-watching and second-screen experiences for both ABC Family and ABC networks.
Freelance
I’ve helped various clients and small design firms develop brand guidelines and cohesive brand systems. I’ve delivered web designs, business collateral, content formats, and marketing campaigns. I’ve also worked with couples and families to help them with their bridal, baby, and kids’ event planning, coordination, and designs.
Other Fun Stuff
I kicked off my Disney journey during my Disney College Program internship, working at Disneyland. If you rode the Indiana Jones ride in 2009, there’s a good chance I assisted you 🐍.
Outside of design, I spent years teaching surfing, with a 99% success rate in getting my students (ages 5 to 80+) up on a wave 🌊🤙. I’ve also worked with kids in various capacities, including directing after-school programs and summer camps for Camp Fire USA, where I led lesson plans, ran the challenge course and archery range, and even lifeguarded.
Education
I majored in traditional studio art with an emphasis on graphic design, where I honed my skills in art techniques, color theory, and art history–spending most of my time drawing & painting. It was through this foundation that I discovered my passion for digital design and user experiences, which ultimately led me into the field of UX design.
BUT BEYOND ALL THAT…
Life is best with
great experiences,
great food,
& great company
Born and raised in Southern California, I live in Lakewood with my husband🕺, our two kiddos 👧👶, German Shepherd Leia 🐕, and our cat, Chocolate 🐈⬛.
I speak in gifs 
and my favorite emoji is 💪. I’m an adventure enthusiast 🧭, having travelled to 11 countries 🗺️. I 🏄 🏂 ⛷️ 🏕️ 🧗♀️ 🏊🏻♀️ and I ride 🐴 and things that go zoom 💨. I spent many childhood summers in Japan 🇯🇵 and in the ocean 🌊 (or both), and a college summer abroad in London 🏴. Most days you’ll find me in a body of water; most evenings you’ll catch me on a family walk. Most nights, I binge-watch shows or snipe bad guys in BL3 with my husband and partner-in-crime. Zombie 🧟 apocalypse? Come bunker up with me– food hoarder, decent shot, and not afraid to use either.
Speaking of food, it’s the quickest way to my heart. I love cooking, eating, and discovering new dishes. Strawberry lemonade is my go-to, savory > sweets, and I’m all about the “weird stuff”. Food is how I connect with people.
My husband describes me as scrappy, determined, and dangerous (⁉️🤣).
I think he means I kick ass 😏.
HELLO 👋
Let’s Connect!
Thanks so much for checking out my work.
Feel free to reach out– I’d love to chat, share more, or explore ways we can collaborate!