My name is Paula Donatelli Cohen, and I am a Brazilian American.
With a B.A. in Media Communication and certifications in Entertainment Studies and Graphic Design, I offer a diverse range of skills and expertise.
My professional background includes video editing, production assistance, lifestyle photography, and image retouching. I excel in team settings, and I adapt seamlessly to diverse environments, offering strong problem-solving skills and a natural aptitude for connecting with people. I'm always enthusiastic about contributing innovative ideas and solutions to any team. Currently, I am working on a UX designer certification to further enhance my skills and expand my expertise.
My professional background includes video editing, production assistance, lifestyle photography, and image retouching. I excel in team settings, and I adapt seamlessly to diverse environments, offering strong problem-solving skills and a natural aptitude for connecting with people. I'm always enthusiastic about contributing innovative ideas and solutions to any team. Currently, I am working on a UX designer certification to further enhance my skills and expand my expertise.
My life journey and relevant experiences.
I have always enjoyed meeting new people and exploring new places. After college, I lived in Ireland for six months with the goal of learning English. It was a beautiful and enriching experience. My love for living abroad and learning about other cultures grew, and four years later, I moved to California. There, I enrolled in the Entertainment Studies certification program at UCLA Extension.
Both experiences were incredibly rewarding, allowing me to meet and form friendships with people from all around the world. These experiences taught me an invaluable life skill: to respect and appreciate the differences in people. Every country has its unique culture and beliefs, and none is right or wrong. This understanding has profoundly influenced my perspective and approach to design.
Why UX Design?
Like many people, my life took a major turn during the pandemic.
I was eight months pregnant with my second son when the world shut down, and it was an incredibly challenging time. One day, a friend asked me to describe myself without mentioning being a wife or mother. The question hit me hard—I realized I didn’t know who I was outside of those roles. That moment sparked a journey of self-discovery as I began to explore what I loved doing just for myself.
This journey led me to creative photography and making composite images in Photoshop, where I discovered a passion for creating visuals. That passion inspired me to enroll in a Graphic Design program, where I gained a strong foundation in design principles. After graduating, I decided to pursue UX Design, a field I’d always found intriguing yet intimidating.
As I began my UX studies, I felt like I’d finally found my place. UX Design called for skills I identified with: empathy, adaptability, clear communication, collaboration, and a diverse background that allowed me to see things from multiple perspectives. I realized that my experiences as a designer, a communicator, and a mother equipped me to create intuitive, meaningful experiences for others. UX Design feels like a natural extension of everything I am passionate about, and it’s given me a new sense of purpose and fulfillment.
What Does Being a UX Designer Mean to Me?
As a UX designer, my mission is to help creating a world that is more inclusive for those who have often felt like they don't belong. I want every individual to know that their unique needs were considered when designing a product. My goal is to ensure that they feel seen, valued, and understood.