Crafting an Inclusive Digital Future: My Journey and Career Aspirations

My experience as an Outreachy Intern at Wikimedia Foundation has been truly transformative. Contributing to a project of this magnitude—one that reaches billions worldwide—has been both humbling and empowering. During my internship, I've focused on designing enhanced reading experiences for users with diverse accessibility needs, a responsibility I don't take lightly given Wikipedia's global impact: over 7 billion annual website visits and tens of millions of mobile downloads across platforms.

Working on accessibility has deepened my understanding of inclusive design. Knowing that millions of people worldwide experience various forms of disability has reinforced that my contributions genuinely matter, potentially improving how people access and interact with essential knowledge.

My Unconventional Path to UX Design

My career journey began on a different path. While studying law several years ago, I recognized that my passions lay elsewhere. Following this realization, I enrolled in a design school where I learned Corel Draw fundamentals until technical difficulties with my laptop temporarily paused my formal design education.

During this period, I immersed myself in non-fiction literature, which became my window into others' experiences and wisdom. I've always been drawn to personal development content, not just consuming it but also creating it. As an undergraduate, I authored motivational articles, with one being featured in 9inteen Magazine, a respected Nigerian publication for families and teenagers. That piece encouraged young readers to embrace their uniqueness rather than conforming to peer pressure.

My commitment to personal growth led me to obtain a life coaching certification, equipping me with tools to improve myself and help others do the same. This journey culminated in publishing my first book, "Confidence Within," where I shared my personal experience overcoming low self-esteem and building authentic confidence.

Future Contributions and Aspirations

Looking forward, I'm passionate about contributing to projects where design can create meaningful impact. I seek organizations that prioritize thoughtful design and exceptional user experience—places where accessibility isn't an afterthought but a fundamental consideration. My time at Wikimedia has refined my appreciation for accessible design, and I'm committed to creating experiences that accommodate diverse users, including those with disabilities.

For instance, when working on a fintech application, I would advocate for features that allow visually impaired users to navigate confidently and independently. I'm also eager to expand my technical toolkit by mastering no-code web development platforms like Framer and WordPress.

My Collaborative Strengths

My effectiveness as a team member stems from several key interpersonal skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities

• Willingness to embrace challenges and experiment with innovative approaches

• Deep empathy for users and colleagues alike

In essence, my career aspirations center around contributing to global organizations that prioritize user experience and accessibility. I'm seeking opportunities to make meaningful contributions to projects that positively impact millions of people daily, creating digital experiences that truly work for everyone.