When I graduated college, my dream was to become a receptionist. Yup. Just a receptionist.
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I knew I had always loved interior design (because of Sims), organizing literally ANYTHING (like my best friend’s DVD collection alphabetically) so that things are generally more efficient and I loved hosting events, ensuring positive experiences for all guests (because filipinos throw parties constantly). I believed that with those skills, I’d have a strong chance of landing an entry role in tech with this title.

In 2017, my dream came true as an Office manager at Gigster which 2 years later turned into a marketing position. But as happy as I was in those roles, I knew I was hungry for something more challenging. At the time, I was offered a position as a Chief of Staff with an ex-coworker of mine who was building his team from the ground up. I grew tremendously in this 16 person startup as the first female on the leadership team managing HR, DEIB initiatives and strategic cross-functional projects.
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Once the pandemic hit, I (like everyone else) was forced to reevaluate the kind of work that really brought me joy because the future was so unknown and life is too short. After a year at the startup, I joined the great resignation in 2021 to soul search for 3 months in Portugal.

Enter design.
With some reflecting, I recognized that design had always been a part of my life. From being an illustrator at an early age, composing the flow of an office space, crafting a brand story, designing efficiencies in HR tasks to my recent experience as a presentation designer.. I’ve always thrived using my creativity, maximizing Gestalt Psychology, color theory and cognitive science.

Now, I want to focus this energy into designing early stage products that will make it easier for app users to have the same experiences that I’ve curated as an office manager long ago: aesthetic spaces, efficient flows, and overall a delightful experience.

Check out my "Get to Know May" slides for a tldr on me!

Greetings, fellow plant parents and design green thumbs! I'm May, an organic visual & product designer, nurturing pixel-perfect user interfaces like they're delicate roses. 🌹

With over 8 years of immersive experience navigating the bustling landscape of Silicon Valley, I've cultivated a diverse skill set honed across an array of B2B SaaS industries, from healthcare to cybersecurity. As a seasoned project manager, I've not only built bridges between engineering, sales/marketing, and customer success teams but have also sown the seeds of collaboration, fostering growth and innovation at every turn.

My journey as a designer is deeply rooted in a natural affinity for the arts and psychology, allowing me to craft compelling brand narratives and address user needs with precision in product design.

Beyond the confines of corporate pursuits, my passion for people blossoms through endeavors such as scaling my non-profit, Piʻikū Co. (formerly CDI), and engaging in public speaking both locally and internationally with the WIDD Network.

Like a gardener tending to a thriving ecosystem, I find fulfillment in nurturing connections and cultivating opportunities for growth. Together, let's cultivate a landscape of success, where innovation flourishes, and possibilities abound. 🌿✨