A queer design maven with over a decade of experience in the field, I was most recently managing a team of design producers at Pinterest. From solving technical design problems at Apple, to creating a seamless campaign experience for Macy’s Events, I enjoy working through complex design challenges. Creative problem solving under tight deadlines with limited resources is my specialty.
I run creative meetings, recommending features based on KPIs, and make campaign optimization recommendations to clients. I explore which product features to build, but also which to sunset, based on data and the user experience. From interpreting client feedback to explaining the vision to a developer, I have always been heavily involved in the design process (check out where each of the assets falls in the creative process in the WORK section). As a leader on the team at Pinterest, I worked with my team and cross-functional partners to shape that process, establishing feedback points and providing transparency into the “black box" that design can be.
I like to do a little bit of everything else. Every few months I pick up a new creative exploit, from watercolor to ceramics to embroidery, my apartment is starting to look a bit like a little old lady lives there….but I love it. It’s important to keep lots of creative paths open, as they get me unstuck when the creative juices aren’t flowing.
Joe DeRario, Sales @Apple: “I just wanted to stress how amazing Kate is. She is not only an extraordinary leader, but also extremely passionate about operations and efficiency. She builds major programs that push results, while maintaining positive morale on a hard-working, high-performing team. She and I worked closely together during our time at Apple. Kate was incredibly instrumental in producing amazing ad campaigns (some of which had never been done before) for major clients such as Verizon. Working cross-functionally, she ensured a seamless workflow that ultimately lead to larger YOY investments from our clients.”
Jeanne Ladd, Producer @Macy's, Apple: “Kate and I worked together at Apple’s advertising arm, iAd, and at Macy’s. She was always curious and eager to learn, and impressed me with her quick intellect and problem solving. Always up for the challenge and a hard worker, she left nothing on the table at the end of a day. She dives deep to really understand the problem, and then goes beyond expectations to ensure she's bringing the most value to the user.”
Jen Amico, UX & Product Design @Yeti: “Kate surprises me at every turn. She is a creative being, so passionate about design, and really talented. She’s going to go far.”
Justine Santa Cruz, Marketing Manager @Macys: “Kate was not only a supportive manager, but she was also great mentor. She took time week after week to give me advice and feedback on my work. She provided me with challenging projects to help me grow in my desired career path. Her mastery of process and project management was an incredible asset to have on the team and the time I spent on her time is invaluable.”
I studied Studio Arts at Tulane, in New Orleans. The soul of the deep south, swampy, hot city made art making feel more primitive than ever. I remember a paper I wrote in Glass Sculpture class that began: "All art should be sweaty, dirty, and involve fire." Needless to say, my professor loved me and I did really well in that class. :)