DIA Design Guild

I formalized the program structure, introduced scalable processes, and implemented a CSAT measurement system to improve program effectiveness and participant satisfaction.

Key achievements include:
• Scaling the Apprenticeship Program: Formalized a structured 9-month mentorship model, improving project outcomes and skill development for junior designer apprentices.
• Mentorship & Talent Development: Recruited and managed senior designers to provide high-quality guidance for junior designers.
• Improved Project Management & Client Satisfaction: Developed formalized project management processes, leading to clearer expectations and increased satisfaction from client stakeholders.

Design Program Manager

Design Evangelist

Design Mentor & Instructor
Combining both teaching and mentoring, I have over 10,000 hours of experience.

• Served as an instructor at leading institutions, such as General Assembly, GrowthX Academy, Flatiron School, Seattle School of Visual Concepts, Product School, UC Berkeley, and Academy of Art University
• Developed curriculum for top programs, including Springboard, GrowthX Academy, Interaction Design Foundation, IxDF Bootcamps, Flatiron School, Product School, UC Berkeley, and Chegg
• Mentored through various community, bootcamp, and organizational programs

Design Educator

Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design

I overhauled school management operations, replacing outdated systems with a modern, scalable solution that improved class scheduling and operational efficiency. I also optimized design tooling and software resources, reducing costs and improving data accessibility.

Key achievements include:
• Scaling Course Offerings: Implemented a new school management system, enabling the organization to increase concurrent class capacity by 300%.
• Cost Reduction: Standardized design tools and software, eliminating inefficiencies and saving $100K annually.
• Data & Process Improvement: Applied information architecture principles to improve data accessibility and reduce data duplication by 90%.

Design Operations Manager

The Hired Guns

Worked in a fast-paced agency environment, specializing in design recruiting while also improving knowledge management for the team.

Key achievements include:
• Candidate Evaluation: Reviewed and evaluated 100+ UX designer candidate profiles and portfolios, assessing qualifications and fit for various design roles.
• Process & Knowledge Management: Built a Notion-based knowledge management system to document onboarding, create consistency in projects, and streamline the recruiting process. This significantly reduced the time required to train and onboard new employees.

Design Talent Partner

LinkedIn

I redesigned and standardized LinkedIn’s UX Design onboarding program, ensuring new UX designers could seamlessly transition into any product team and become productive faster.

Key achievements include:
• Onboarding Standardization: Designed and implemented a new UX designer onboarding program to improve ramp-up time and team integration.

IxDF - Interaction Design Foundation

• Led daily operations and strategic initiatives, implementing best practices to optimize the UX Design Bootcamp program 
• Increased member insights by 5% by instigating a regular research program
• Improved project planning and scheduling for UX Design boot camps, strategized new educational initiatives and created original UX course content

Flatiron School

I led Flatiron School’s San Francisco UX program, managing faculty and ensuring the successful graduation and job placement of cohorts of 20 design students. I introduced a cross-disciplinary collaboration program between UX and software engineering students, giving them hands-on experience working together.

Key achievements include:
• Student Success & Placement: Led Flatiron’s San Francisco UX program, ensuring strong job placement outcomes.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Built a structured program for UX designers and software engineers to collaborate on projects.
• Curriculum Improvements: Implemented course changes that led to a 20% increase in exercise scores.

Design Program Director

GrowthX Academy

I built and scaled GrowthX Academy’s UX design program from the ground up, designing an industry-aligned curriculum that prepared students for real-world careers. The program achieved a 90% job placement rate, and I oversaw the development of 40+ functional prototypes for web, mobile, and IoT clients through hands-on, project-based learning.

Key achievements include:
• Program Creation & Growth: Designed and launched an industry-aligned UX design program, achieving a 90% student placement rate.
• Client Project Experience: Guided student teams in developing 40+ functional prototypes for real clients, reinforcing practical UX skills through hands-on client collaboration.

Epsilon

I led a cross-functional team of 8, including UX designers, UI designers, and content strategists, delivering solutions for 10+ B2B and B2C clients annually, including Wells Fargo, American Express, Apple, Google, Cisco, and Genentech.

Key achievements include:
• Enterprise UX Leadership: Managed UX strategy and execution for Fortune 500 clients across finance, tech, and healthcare.
• Design Systems & Efficiency: Created scalable design systems, style guides, and component libraries to improve consistency across projects.
• UX Training & Advocacy: Led client workshops to strengthen teams' understanding of customer experience best practices.

Design Manager, Digital Design

TripIt

Drove mobile and web design for a top travel app. Implemented data-driven design practices and led design reviews to ensure high-quality releases.

Lead Product Designer

I'm a design program manager with a background in UX, interaction design, and education. I bring structure to design teams and help programs run smoothly.

I've worked across both industry and education, and I’m especially drawn to roles that support design teams building thoughtful, education-focused experiences. I thrive in environments where I can contribute behind the scenes—helping teams stay aligned, focused, and connected to the needs of users and businesses.

Over my career, I've built and led design operations initiatives, UX education programs, and onboarding optimization at organizations ranging from startups to global tech companies. I’ve formalized design processes, standardized tools, and improved cross-team alignment, helping companies scale efficiently while maintaining a strong design culture.

I’m passionate about solving organizational challenges that impact design teams, whether it’s streamlining workflows, improving collaboration between teams, or developing scalable solutions for talent growth.

Always open to connecting with others (include a note) working at the intersection of design, education, and impact-driven work.

Julia DeBari

Sheridan College

Currently seeking businesses to support the following degree programs: Game Design | Animation | Illustration | Photography | Interactive Design | Business - Project Management; International Business; Business Analysis and Project Management
- Research and outreach to the game industry, technology and media companies and craft studios.  
- Increase opportunities for our students to apply for and engage with businesses seeking talent.
- Facilitate engagement with our students, and increase visibility of job opportunities and career paths.
- Support business with interviewing, understanding co-op / internship opportunities at Sheridan and available hiring grants/ incentives.
- Encourage business to post on Sheridan Works: https://sheridanworks.sheridancollege.ca/home.htm

Co-operative Education Advisor/ Job Developer

◈ I have returned to this position after a secondment.

◈ In addition to my regular duties, I designed multimedia content for the program using Adobe Suite and Wacom.

Employment Consultant / Job Developer - Sheridan Community Employment Services

◈ Co-operative Education contact for business interested in a student or participating by providing a co-op, mentoring, or paid employment opportunity.  
◈ Focus areas:  Illustration, Craft & Design (Furniture Design, Ceramics, Glass, Industrial Design, Textiles) and Illustration, Interactive Design.

Why Hire an Illustration Co-op student?: https://jobs.sheridancollege.ca/Capability/pgrms_bachartill.pdf

Industrial Design (Craft & Design Degree Program) - https://academics.sheridancollege.ca/programs/bachelor-of-craft-and-design-industrial-design/career-opportunities

Ceramics (Craft & Design Degree Program) - https://academics.sheridancollege.ca/programs/bachelor-of-craft-and-design-ceramics

Co-operative Education Adviser,  Career Integrated Learning

◈  Provide employment services to residents and business within Brampton and surrounding communities under the Employment Ontario Service Delivery Framework.

◈ Utilize social channels to bring in more business, keep on top of labour market changes and trends, promote services and events, increase hits on job board etc.
◈ Preparing job descriptions, 
◈ Pre-qualifying and screening candidates;
◈ Negotiating employment contracts;
◈ Administering funding;
◈ Case management
◈ Processing invoices;
◈ Providing advice to applicants and businesses.
 
https://www.sheridancollege.ca/about/community-employment.aspx

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicoleDarlaston

Employment Consultant, Job Developer - Sheridan Community Employment Services

◈  Manage activities supporting the Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies [Bachelor of Athletic Therapy, Fundamentals of Fitness Leadership, Bachelor of Health Sciences (Kinesiology and Health Promotion), Pharmacy Technician and Retail Pharmacy, Veterinary Technician, Animal Care]. 
◈  At the Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies (FAHCS), you receive the practice-based learning and applied-research skills that get you ready for new opportunities. You integrate theory with practice, knowledge with social innovation and life skills with scholarship to maximize your impact on our local communities — and global society.

Program Support Specialist, Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

“What is necessary to change a person to change is his awareness of himself…  If you want to help another human being you must put your attention on what can be improved,  rather than what is wrong”.  -  Dr. A. Maslow

◈ Successfully placed ITI’s into placements commensurate with their respective career and educational background
◈ Helped coordinate first annual Employer Recognition and Alumni Success Events and subsequent events
◈ Increased infiltration, ELT Pathways and Workforce Development Brand  within the community through use of Social Media, strategic marketing campaigns/ mailing lists,  and targeted placement efforts.  Awarded status of top 10% amongst 200 million users  by LinkedIn in 2012 for profile activity visits
◈ Identified and rectified front end user and functionality issues with existing customer/ clients database; working collaboratively with Information Systems Consultant
◈ Launched, and managed - student/ employer Job Portal, and created blog/ website for Program –http://newtalenttomississauga.wordpress.com/
◈ Coached middle career and executive level professionals in career planning, preparing job search documents and presenting self well in a job interview
◈ Taught weekly in the classroom; prepared Teaching materials and communicated with students using SLATE

Career Support Specialist - Group Facilitator | Instructor | Coach | Placement Coordinator

Living Strong - Transition and Lifestyle Management

Services and products in harmony with optimal health. 
◈ Business is under development and welcome connections with like-minded business people and brands.
◈ For inquiries: Please correspond to nicole.darlaston@gmail.com

Founder, Coach

Isagenix

◈ I invite anyone looking to join Isagenix to connect with Kate Unger - kate.a.unger@gmail.com

Associate Consultant, Recruiter

COSTI Immigrant Services

◈ Successfully fostered new business relationships to promote services and benefits of program.
◈ Designed and conducted business surveys to collect data on future recruitment requirements and      trends. 
◈ Lead discussions on relevant subjects both in the classroom and through private 1:1 consultations.
◈ Project: Developed CRM to improve effectiveness and efficiency of work flow, outcomes and data collection on customer requirements utilizing MS Access.

Recruiter | Career Coach | Counsellor | Instructor | Trainer

◈ Provided pre-placement and placement services to clients displaced from the Auto sector.
◈ Was successful in placing all graduates (of the Human Resource Management and Building and Environmental Certificate Programs), into roles within their respective fields ahead of contract end date.
◈ Project sponsored by Second Career, Sheridan College and Chrysler.

Job Developer - [Recruiter | Career Counsellor | Trainer | Relationship Development]

CME - Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters - Business Takes Action

◈ Business Takes Action (BTA) is a Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters initiative aimed at promoting the benefits of hiring qualified People with Disabilities to meet skill shortages” in the workplace. 
◈ BTA is a government-funded program focused on ensuring organizations in Ontario and across Canada are up to date with the information, policies, and tools necessary to employ and accommodate People with Disabilities.
◈ Worked with industry leaders to offer workshops, seminars, and conferences to educate employers about workplace accessibility and other important topics surrounding the employment of People with Disabilities.

◈ Provided one point of contact (communications/ media relations) for information, supports (case management/ advocacy), and skilled talent (Employment Consulting, Recruitment Services) for member businesses.
◈ Content Manager for website: www.ten20action.ca
◈ Sourced and developed business partnerships to advance the Business Takes Action - Employment of Persons with Disabilities initiative.
◈ Provide consultations relating to hiring and accommodating Persons with Disabilities including compliance with AODA, Human Rights & Employment Standards. 
◈ Coordinate Launch of Service, Community Events,  Round Tables/ Collaboration, and Information Exchange Seminars. 
◈ Made Public Speaking engagements.  Designed marketing  & training materials, and other resources to support CME members (HR, Management Executives).
◈ Manage website content such as events, job portal, and resources, media releases. 
◈ Screen candidates to ensure they meet the job specifications of member businesses.

Project Officer/ Business Advisor - [Recruiter | Career Counsellor | Trainer | B2B]

YMCA

◈ Outreach to business to identify employment vacancies. 
◈ Screening, matching and placing candidates into appropriate positions.
◈ Preparing training / funding contracts.

Specialist Recruiter - [Recruiter | Career Counsellor | Trainer | Relationship Development]

at home

Maternity Leave

Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board

Teacher within Adult Education, Co-op Department.
◈ Taught 5 days per week topics such as Business Studies, Job Readiness, Workplace Cultural, Life Skills, Marketing and Promotion, Labour Market Analysis, Psychology and Personal Development, Writing & Presentation Skills. etc.
◈ Worked in conjunction with Accounting and Business Studies faculty. 
◈ Alternating between full-time Instructional, and placement terms, which involved full-time promotion of services to business, and performing all necessary work to ensure student received placements and had sufficient support (onsite) while performing their jobs. 
◈ Prepared curriculum, tests, evaluations, and report cards for both phases of the semester. 
◈ Left this position to welcome the arrival (birth) of my son.

Teacher (Contract) and Co-op Placement Coordinator - [Recruiter | Career Counsellor | Trainer]

MTEC

Project Development / Management for program "Building Foundations in the Skilled Trades". 

◈ Wrote curriculum for program as per stated objectives, and launched program
◈ Creator of "Trade Links" - searchable directory / resource guide (first in the region)  

Career Counselling:

◈ Conducted assessments using the ACEC and Common Assessment models
◈ Administered group and individual aptitude and interest assessments -
◈ Self Directed Search, Strong and Holland inventories, DAT, VALPAR, Pro 3000 and True Colors. 

Project Leader:

◈ Built partnerships 
◈ Developed employment leads and made referrals. 

Labour Market Analysis / Research:

◈ Created surveys and interviewed employers, union groups, schools and other community stakeholders to acquire a full picture of issues affecting retention and recruitment.
◈ Collected information on the labour market and training available throughout Ontario

Marketing:

◈ Prepared marketing materials such as pamphlets, flyers and information packages.

Coordination:

◈ Coordinated site visits to trade related workplaces, training institutions
◈ Recruited guest speakers to make appearances in the classroom

◈ Certified by ESAO in WHMIS trainer.

Career Counsellor/ Facilitator - [Recruiter | Career Counsellor | Trainer | Relationship Development

I am actively looking for hosts who are able to post co-op or Internship opportunities for our students completing degrees with the Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design.

Students need 420 hours on the job between April 24th, and Sept. 1st.   If you have a role, you can post it on our platform between January and the middle of June.  We encourage companies to post early to review more application packages. 

Types of roles students are interested in:

Gamification, Game Mechanics, Level Design, Game Programming, Game Economy, Narrative Design, Audio, Game Artists, 2D or 3D Asset creation, QA, User Experience etc.  We also have Animators, and Software Engineers also seeking work.
 
Questions:  Schedule a meeting with me: https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/ae6639cb08ae4f0a9d110e7c99ff34fc@sheridancollege.ca?anonymous&ep=plink

Reasons to Hire a Co-op/Internship Student:
- It is a cost-effective solution for short-term hiring needs; employers get quality skills at affordable prices.
- It is an excellent way to evaluate potential employees.
- Students bring fresh, innovative ideas to your company. By hiring a student every 4 months, you can take advantage of a continuous supply of new and creative approaches to your business.
- It is an investment that you make in attracting dedicated employees.

How to Hire a Student:

We have launched a new platform for hiring students, and graduates or for participating in and posting Co-op & Internship vacancies.  Link: https://sheridanworks.sheridancollege.ca/sheridanworks.htm

Sheridan's Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design (FAAD) is Canada's largest art school:  https://www.sheridancollege.ca/about/faculties/animation-arts-design

Nicole Darlaston, Cooperative Education Advisor / Job Developer
Cooperative Education | Career-Integrated Learning
Sheridan 
T: (905) 845-9430 ext.2531
nicole.darlaston1@sheridancollege.ca

taplio

The Battle

Julia DeBari

Nicole Darlaston

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?