Welcome!
Thank you for your interest.

Please see me on LinkedIn for updated information and to connect.

Leadership positions

I have lead UX in 5 departments at Amazon, and most recently was the UX Director at Change.org as a member of their Senior Leadership Team. Outside of work, I have have also mentored and held volunteer leadership positions.

To see a list of my experiences, visit my profile on LinkedIn >

Leadership style

Over the past 8 years, I have managed 37 people, including 21 that I hired.
My style is best described as servant leadership.

Some of the pillars of my leadership style include:
• Lead with empathy
• Drive inclusion
• Remove blockers
• Value transparency & trust
• Understand individual needs
• Encourage
• Provide fair & timely feedback
• Organize chaos
• Share clear expectations


Portfolio

I started in visual design before switching to UX and have since lead both, including specialists like user researchers and content designers. My teams have solved problems for users across digital and physical spaces at a global scale. Please reach out for specific examples.

Photography

My passion for photography is one of the main motivations for my current career break. Here are some of my favorite shots from prior years.

Small monkey with a funny expression looking at his/her/their parents

Nagano, Japan | 2020

Snow Monkeys
Night shot of a view of NYC from The Top of the Rock at a slight angle

NYC, NY, USA | 2011

NYC Skyline
Red tulips shot from the ground at a slight angle

Skagit Valley, WA, USA | 2014

Tulips
3 windows, 1 open

Jacmel, Haiti | 2013

Windows
Beaded change purses

Croix des Bouquets, Haiti | 2011

Beadwork
Two people shot from the back standing next to each other. In between them, you can see out over NYC.

NYC, NY, USA | 2011

Strangers
Scenery of water crashing on a cliff

Ring of Kerry, Ireland | 2019

Crash
Baby feet is the primary focus, being held by her father's hand. Her parents' wedding rings hang off of her toes.

Pittsburgh, PA, USA | 2015

Their Bundle of Joy
A Budha statue head peaks out from between roots that have grown around it.

Ayutthaya, Thailand | 2013

Budha

Contact

Email me at deana.jirak@gmail.com >
Reach out on LinkedIn >

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