What drew you to UX as a field, and how has your experience influenced your career goals?

I fell into UX design during my freshman year. I was originally an architecture major, but a summer internship at the Children’s Hospital shifted my perspective. I worked on making complex medical content more digestible for families—especially those for whom English wasn’t a first language—and redesigned outdated website elements. That experience opened my eyes to UX as a field, and I realized that many principles from architecture, like the study of space, translated seamlessly into digital design.

Throughout my sophomore year, I researched UX design extensively and spoke with my architecture professors, some of whom knew colleagues who transitioned from architecture to UX. When UX became a minor at my university, I enrolled and it’s been a great journey ever since.

How has receiving the UXPA scholarship impacted your education and journey in UX?

The scholarship has been instrumental in my growth. Right now, I’m studying abroad in Barcelona, diving deeper into architecture and its historical context. The scholarship eased the financial burden, allowing me to focus on exploring the intersections between architecture and design.

I’ve also had the chance to attend firm tours and meet architects, which has been inspiring. These experiences have enriched my understanding of design and given me a broader perspective that I bring back to my UX work.

What is one skill or concept you’ve learned recently that changed your perspective on UX?

One of the biggest lessons came from a mentor during my internship. I used to settle on one good idea and run with it, but he pushed me to experiment more and explore multiple possibilities. It taught me the value of ideation—thinking big before narrowing down—and how that process can lead to unexpected and innovative solutions.

Can you share a project you’re particularly proud of?

Over the past year, I volunteered with Pay It Forward Fund, a breast cancer support organization. They gave me complete creative freedom to redesign their website, and I took the opportunity to rewrite content, restructure navigation, and design new pages using their brand colors.

It was a rewarding experience—not just professionally but also personally, as the cause resonated with me. Seeing my work live and knowing it helps others made it even more special.

You’ve expressed interest in giving back to Somalia with your UX knowledge. Can you tell us more about that dream?

My parents immigrated from Somalia, and I’ve noticed a gap in digital literacy and UX education there. Technology is such a crucial part of daily life now, and I want to return to teach good design principles and digital literacy in Somali. It’s especially important to me to create more intuitive designs for non-native English speakers, making apps and websites accessible to everyone.

Do you have advice for aspiring UX designers or students just starting their journey?

Invest fully in your group and class projects because they’ll form the core of your portfolio. The effort you put in now will pay off in the long run. Also, be proactive in seeking opportunities. You won’t always be handed them—you have to be an active participant in your growth. Stay curious and never stop learning.

What’s next for you after graduation?

I want to continue giving back, both through mentorship and volunteering. The University of Minnesota is launching a UX design degree, and I hope to return as a mentor to guide students. It’s important to me to share what I’ve learned and support the next generation of designers.

Outside of UX and school, do you have any hobbies that you enjoy?

I love photography and making digital illustrations. I also enjoy skiing as well as walking and running around the beautiful lakes in Minneapolis.