Knowbility AccessU workshops (left, center) · IBM Design Thinking facilitation, Austin (right)
Teaching, Speaking & Writing
Giving back to the field has been part of my practice for as long as I've been a designer — especially now, when AI is changing what it means to be a designer and the next generation needs people who've navigated big shifts before to help them think it through.
Knowbility AccessU workshops (left, center) · IBM Design Thinking facilitation, Austin (right)
Integrating Accessibility into the Design Process — Knowbility AccessU workshop.
Co-led in-person and remote workshops on embedding accessibility upstream in the design process for four consecutive years at Knowbility AccessU — one of the most respected accessibility conferences in the country. Also presented internally at IBM Design and as a guest speaker at other organizations.
Returned to AccessU 2026 as a room host and session introducer, continuing a long-standing relationship with the accessibility community.
Abstract accepted at CSUN, the world's largest and most respected assistive technology conference. Co-presenter with Charu Pandhi. The session was canceled due to Covid-19 before it could be delivered. Considering submitting again for a future year.
Facilitated IBM Design Thinking workshops with non-profit organizations including Meals on Wheels and Fostering Hope as part of IBM's marketing department summer program. Also served as Design Lead for the Patterns 2019 Enablers4All Team. Served as Design Thinking Coach and Judge for IBM Developer Jumpstart's Technical Challenge Program, helping developers integrate human-centered design practice into technical work.
With the Enablers4All team — IBM Patterns new hire program, 2019
IBM Developer Jumpstart — Developer Slam, Austin, TX. Design Thinking coach for new developers.
IBM Design Thinking workshop with Fostering Hope — non-profit community impact program.
Agency-wide TechTalk invitation — USCIS OIT, May 2024.
Presented to USCIS's full Office of Information Technology on the strategy for bringing 21st Century IDEA to life across public-facing websites, and introduced Figma as the agency's new wireframe and prototype tool. Topics included the US Web Design System rollout, GSA site scanning, and the design and development workflow the new tooling enables.
This was one of several internal TechTalks delivered to OIT staff and leadership on design systems, accessibility, and the intersection of human-centered design and federal technology modernization.
Four years teaching design fundamentals and career development to emerging designers at Austin Community College. Courses included Visual Design, UI Patterns, UX Career Lab, and Interaction Design.
Also conducted mock interviews and resume reviews with students through the Georgette program — direct mentorship for designers entering the field.
"Hope has been a proactive advocate for bringing youth into the studio to understand the future of technology and how they might be a part of the action. She has brought Girl Scouts to the Watson Lab and led workshops with middle school students to explore problem spaces using IBM Design Thinking. Naturally talented in working with kids, Hope also excels in working across teams in her day to day with adults. Hope is a welcome presence in any engagement. It's a pleasure to work with her."
AJ Joplin · Executive Coach & Strategic Advisor, Forrester Research
A 6-minute read on adaptability, longevity, and staying curious across a long design career. Written from thirty years of navigating change in a field that never stops reinventing itself — from broadcast motion graphics to AI-powered design systems.
Available for speaking engagements.
I'm happy to speak or lead workshops on design operations, accessibility, design systems, or navigating a long creative career. Get in touch to talk about what might fit your event or organization.