Background
Memories, past, experiences that have shaped my perception.
I am shaped by my childhood curiosities and upbringing! This includes having Edgar Allen Poe as my favorite author at age nine, the Hmong and Vietnamese cultures I grew to be a part of, and the ever growing curiosity in humans beings that have led me toward design for humanitarian good!
My Core Values
Authenticity Honesty has given me the best chance of a fulfilling and lively existence. I can let the desires of my heart reveal themselves, creates a space for forgiveness and bravery, and find a community that only uplifts me.
Community Under community, there are several other values, such as respect, inclusivity, and consideration, I also hold in high regard. I umbrella these under community because as part of a thriving community they are the characteristics asked of you as piece of the whole. Life is fuller with a community. Memories are warmer. Learning is faster. Actions are more impactful.
Commitment to Nurturing Oneself I believe our consciousness is separate from our mind and body; perhaps I am referring to a soul. We are gifted with the creation of a physical body and put on this earth to live self-fulfilling lives. Part of realizing this fulfillment is in protecting the particular interests, sparks, and personality traits of the being you are. It is, therefore, my assertion that it is one of our greatest purposes to love, nurture, and protect ourselves.
Growth Life transforms, and to move with it, it is in our best interest to continue transforming as well. With regular reflect I hope to better how I help, care, respect myself, others, and our home.
Trust In The Process of Life
To view life as a journey and not a destination! It helps me stay present with those I care for, with the work I’m doing, and in the tough times that are really a necessity of life!
My Industry Job | Converging disparate worlds
I am a UX Lead at Daimler Truck North America, a global leader in commercial vehicles, as well as a consultant with pmX Group, a German-based consulting company.
I work with people from very diverse backgrounds daily. There is German, Spanish, Polish, French, Italian, and Arabic spoken around me constantly.
I also have the privilege of traveling to several countries in Europe each year since joining these companies. From such exposure to individuals from many cultures, my view of the world, and our community as a whole, has expanded greatly. I see the many ways we are all so similar and yet so different. It is learning I continue to nourish and bring into my work - how I collaborate, story tell, design, communicate, and understand.
Neuroscience | A Fascination
I completed a B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Training on the basic mechanics of the brain helped me improve as an individual and as a UX professional.
As I work in the digital space, I apply understandings of perception, memory, and language to my designs.
In my personal life, I use “brain hacks” to maintain a level of health and well-being that allows me to live a fulfilling, happy, and motivated life. Hacks include breathing techniques, sunlight as soon as you wake, and practicing gratitude. Ask me about more!
Hmong and Vietnamese American | A foot in western and eastern thought
I feel lucky to have a foot in both cultures. It allows me to compare and contrast values to create my own. I get to see the many discrepancies and similarities between the two and feel fueled to bring the beauty of both cultures to light, as I’m made of both. As asian cultures account for 7% of the American population, according to Pew, I also feel a proud responsibility to represent my community as best I can.