Meet Jessie.

Hi, I’m Jessie!

I’m a researcher, illustrator, and community organizer residing in Duwamish territory (Seattle, WA). I graduated with a Master of Science in Human Centered Design & Engineering at the University of Washington, where I also received my Bachelor of Science in Informatics and a minor in Diversity. Fluent in English and American Sign Language, I’m slowly learning Japanese (日本語).

Above all, I love narratives and listening to people.

From a young age, I devoured countless stories between paperback covers and title cards to the point that I became fluent in speed-reading rapid The Tatami Galaxy subtitles. To me, stories are human news, our raison d’etre — our reason for existence.

Narratives cannot exist without relationships. When I engage in thoughtful conversations with people from diverse backgrounds, I travel to their worlds as a humble tourist. My identity as a deaf & hard of hearing woman of color allows me to be curious and appreciate people’s unique experiences, narratives, and relationships.

Because I recognize and experience exclusion and differences, I advocate for inclusive design in everything I do, from community-based participatory research to storytelling. I believe in creating and sustaining opportunities for people to live — to thrive — to share their experiences, no matter what they are or where they come from.

Because when we lift one person up, we lift up everyone else.

Seeking roles in research, design, writing, and editing.
Also available to support with college & program applications!

I’d love to chat with you.

Please email jessie.ly.zhang [at] gmail [dot] com. You can also contact my LinkedIn. Thank you!