I am a graphic designer, educator, and storyteller, based in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Design for me is a way of building bridges, and engaging with people in my local community as well as the broader global community.
I’m a cultural code switcher
I grew up a global citizen, living in Ethiopia, Nepal, India, and the United States. As an adult, I’ve lived in Syria and Vietnam, and have spent extended time in the Netherlands, Thailand, Lebanon, and Turkey. These international experiences continue to shape my perspective and approach to design.
I’m an experienced designer
I earned an Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Integrated Design (focusing on the integration of web, video, and print design) from the University of Baltimore in 2009. I’ve spent over a decade doing design work for non-profit organizations, cultural institutions, universities, and small businesses — both locally and globally. Past clients include the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, the Louvre Museum, the New York Public Library, and the Kennedy Center.
I’m an engaged teacher
I currently work as an Assistant Professor in the School of Media Arts & Design at James Madison University. In this position, I have the opportunity to teach students about visual communication and creative advertising.
Local engagement with Harrisonburg’s immigrant and refugee community, focusing on creative visual expression around themes of identity and place, is a central theme in my work.
- Check out the community-engaged projects I’ve led »