Creative director – Rhode Island Interactive/NIC; Presidential innovation fellow – White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Age: 33
Why did you select your profession?
Ever since I made my first website as a teenager in the ’90s, I’ve been in love with Web design. … Being a part of a new medium that is still growing up is hugely challenging and exciting.
Where do you see yourself professionally in 10 years?
I see myself as creative director of a small team, building projects for clients I’m really passionate about. I’ll likely still be involved in design for government.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?
As a Web designer, your job is to be the user advocate. If you relentlessly stick to this … everything else will follow.
How do you keep a work-life balance?
Trying to unplug as much as possible on the weekends is what helps keep me sane.
What one thing in your professional life would you like a do-over on?
It’s taken a while for me to gain the confidence that I have something to say. … That realization has been slower in coming than I’d like in hindsight. •