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Olga Saadi
Design + Research
Professional Background
Olga Saadi is a highly skilled designer and user experience (UX) specialist with a profound dedication to enhancing people's lives through intentional and thoughtful design. With a rich background in different sectors, including healthcare, education, and non-profit organizations, Olga's unique approach centers around a human-first methodology. This has allowed her to effectively connect with diverse audiences and enable their voices, particularly those that are often neglected in traditional design conversations.
In her role as UI/UX Lead at Presence Sleep, Olga spearheaded innovative design solutions that significantly improved user engagement and accessibility. Her prior experience as Design Lead at Novonate saw her directing design strategies that prioritized user needs, and as Product Manager at 3rd Stone Design Inc., she was responsible for creating meaningful healthcare products that made a difference in the lives of patients.
Beyond her corporate experience, Olga has made impressive contributions to the non-profit world as a Project Manager at Smile Train and graphic designer for the American Red Cross. Olga's foundational experiences, including her time as a founder of Projeto Mão Dada and her analytical role at Petróleo Ipiranga, have equipped her with a thorough understanding of both the creative and operational aspects of design.
Education and Achievements
Olga Saadi's educational journey reflects her commitment to lifelong learning and her pursuit of excellence in design and entrepreneurship. Olga earned a Master of Science (MS) in Design Impact from Stanford University, where she honed her skills in translating complex human dynamics into impactful designs. In addition to her master's degree, she participated in the Stanford Ignite program, earning a certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. This program further solidified her ability to integrate business acumen with design thinking.
Prior to her time at Stanford, Olga studied Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services at the University of Leeds, achieving a commendable 2:1. Additionally, she completed her Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering at the prestigious Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, where she laid the groundwork for her analytical and design capabilities. Olga's academic foundation in engineering not only provides her insights into the technical aspects of design but also enriches her ability to approach problems from a systems-thinking perspective.
Passion for Design and People
Olga views herself as a translator between diverse experiences and the design process. She believes that at the core of effective design lies a deep understanding of the user's perspective, their stories, and their environments. Her approach allows her to create frameworks and tools that empower non-designers to engage in the design process, promoting a collaborative atmosphere where ideas can flourish. She firmly asserts that "design is a team sport", and her impressive track record supports this philosophy.
Her passion for user-centered design, alongside her interest in social impact, illustrates her commitment to using her skills for the greater good. Whether through her work in healthcare with Novonate, her volunteer initiatives, or her role at organizations like the American Red Cross, Olga strives to amplify voices of the underrepresented and to make a measurable difference through her work.
Olga's extensive background in both leadership and design makes her an invaluable asset to any team. She is approachable and eager to share her knowledge in areas such as user-centered design and design for social impact, making her a great resource for both peers and companies looking to create more inclusive and impactful design solutions.
