My name is Marissa (pronounced maw-ris-ah), and I am a design leader with over 20 years of experience in visual user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. My career has been shaped by a passion for crafting user-centered solutions, with a focus on healthcare and conversational AI tooling for enterprise-grade and mobile technologies.
Creativity meets impact
I thrive on creativity that drives meaningful change in a rapidly evolving world. Currently, I’m part of Microsoft’s Design Systems team for AI, where I focus on creating scalable, cohesive frameworks that empower designers and developers alike. My work ensures consistency and innovation across AI-driven products, fostering seamless user experiences that balance elegance and functionality.
Previously, I worked on Copilot Studio, where I helped shape intuitive, cutting-edge tools designed to unlock the full potential of AI for users. At Nuance Communications (now part of Microsoft), I was instrumental in the beta launch of the Nuance Mix Platform, an omni-channel conversational AI platform used across industries including automotive, gaming, healthcare, and IoT.
Collaboration and leadership
As a principal designer, I’ve contributed to team growth through onboarding, mentoring, and advancing accessibility-first design practices. I’m also an accessibility champion, having led the creation of front-end development-focused design systems in Figma and presented at high-impact industry events like Nuance’s iCubed and Auto Forum conferences.
Beyond design systems, I thrive on cross-functional collaboration, working closely with research, engineering, and product teams to transform complex problems into elegant, impactful solutions. One of my guiding principles is to make users feel empowered and rewarded — whether through seamless interactions or the freedom to create their own solutions.
A designer in motion
Whether brainstorming the next feature implementation while lifting weights at the gym or imagining how AI can make daily life more intuitive during a training ride for the Cape Cod Getaway for Bike MS, I approach my work with energy and curiosity. I believe in pushing boundaries and forging connections through thoughtful design.
If you're as passionate about shaping the future of technology as I am, let’s connect. You can find me on LinkedIn or explore my portfolio for more about my work.
Thank you!