Digital self-portrait of Adara smiling in greyscale

Hello! (˘⌣˘ )ノ

Hello! (˘⌣˘ )ノ

After graduating from UCLA with a B.A. in Fine Arts, I established a decade long career in the education/research sector to promote equity in learning communities through open scholarship. Currently, I explore ways in which UX design can promote equity in addition to inclusivity and accessibility.

Rather than imposing a singular narrative or promoting false optimism, I strive to offer perspectives that can provide others just the right amount of encouragement to move forward. I pride myself in taking holistic, thoughtful approaches to challenges.

I have a deep appreciation for how comics and video games can be drivers for social good, and I am particularly interested in creating opportunities for delight in those spaces!

If I am not designing spaces in Animal Crossing: New Horizons or drawing, I am most likely tuning into interviews or documentaries!

"Saving One Turtle at a Time"

Personal Comic, 2020

When Michael Schur, the creator of “The Good Place”, was a guest on Dave Chang’s podcast, he said something that really resonated with me: you will inevitably—constantly, even—fail as a moral agent in the universe, but you need to at least try to be cognizant of your actions, try to be a little better today than you were yesterday, and give to others when you can.

Adara whispers to her sister, "You got the goods?" while her sister solemnly nods and raises a thumb up
A cup of thai iced tea drawn in duo tones with the following narrative text: "A bakery we frequently recently added Thai iced tea to their menu, so we ordered a cup."
While holding out a reusable straw, Adara's sister exclaims with sparkles in her eyes, "I'm so excited for you to save a turtle today...!"
As Adara takes a sip of the Thai tea with the reusable straw, a turtle floats above and says "thx."