I'm Aya, often referred to as a passionate innovator. With 15 years of experience in design roles and a formal art education from RISD, I excel in leading user-centered discussions, cultivating collaborative environments, facilitating critiques, fostering deep partnerships with cross-functional teams, and setting a high standard for design craft.
My design philosophy is simple: solve problems for people the way others have solved problems for me – with empathy, dedication, and a commitment to making a genuine difference.
Growing up in Boston's Russian immigrant community shaped my approach to problem-solving and collaboration. I witnessed firsthand how my mother, a doctor, and my father, a mathematician, consistently went above and beyond to help others navigate challenges – from fixing computers to helping newcomers find their first job in America. This environment taught me the value of community support and selfless problem-solving.
A defining moment in my journey came through the mentorship of Katya, a ceramicist who left me in her basement studio for three days. I was surrounded by ceramic hands and broken vases and tasked with drawing everyday objects lit dimly by a small lamp, I learned the importance of patience, precision, and honest feedback – principles that still guide my design process today.
These experiences continued through art school in Rhode Island, where I found myself surrounded by a diverse community of immigrants from Cape Verde and El Salvador, each contributing to my growth through late-night collaboration sessions and cultural exchange.
Today, these experiences fundamentally inform my approach to design leadership.
I believe in creating solutions that truly serve people's needs, and curating environments where team members feel supported to grow, and approaching challenges with the same spirit of generous problem-solving that I witnessed throughout my life.
