👋 My name is Rafaella (she/her), but everyone calls me Rafa.
I’ve always had a hard time answering the “tell me a little bit about yourself” question. I come from a family of eccentric artists, and I grew up as a (non-digital) nomad between 5 different countries, speaking 4 different languages—being so intrinsically connected to this mixture of art and culture is what originally drew me to the field of Design.
While I started out in the realm of Visual Design, I quickly found myself gravitating toward UX—after all, UX is all about borrowing from design principles, human psychology, and cultural norms to create humanized digital experiences. While working with design teams of all sizes, I also discovered a passion for driving strategy, mentoring designers, and expanding the impact of design through the creation of better processes, systems, and tools.
I thrive in highly collaborative environments with people who are equally as driven and passionate about making an impact within their organization. I’m a connector, an excellent communicator, and a firm believer in being the change you wish to see.
Currently, I manage a talented team of designers at Braze. Outside of my full-time job, I enjoy coaching other designers, painting, traveling, and finding new foodie hot spots in the DC metro area where I currently reside with my furry companion, Luna.
For project inquiries, contact me at rafa@rstudart.com or drop me a message on LinkedIn.
