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I have a non-linear backstory vibrant with diversity & personal growth.

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Quick facts

MS in Information Studies (HCI + Responsible AI), UT Austin


BFA in Communication Design + Anthropology Minor


Native Austinite + explorer of cultures, systems, and stories

#1 Belgian Malinois mom  

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I was once gifted a mug that said "chaos coordinator."

I'd never thought of it that way, but I think it's accurate...and I love that mug! I translate chaos into order and shape product direction by blending design thinking, social science, the scientific method, and visual storytelling.

I cut my teeth in New York City.

At EY Advanced Technology Tax Lab, I led the design of private blockchain and AI-based UX solutions for global financial information exchange challenges, such as TaxGrid, in collaboration with world governments, academia, and industry partners. During my "New York era," I also:

 

  • Designed marketing materials for brands like Lufthansa, The Yankees, and Links of London at Catch24 Advertising and Design.

  • Consulted for NYU Steinhardt EdTech Accelerator supporting a girls in STEM product.

  • Architected a custom CMS to manage game events, content, and data analytics for a Billboard Hot 100 app.

  • Spearheaded the design of Duke Farm's first app to improve operational efficiency and accessibility.

  • Led design in a small marketing team at a financial services company.

  • Led UX design for the inaugural NYC Blockchain Weekend organized by CoinDesk.

 

This is where I became addicted to great coffee shops and very long walks in any weather. 

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I found my love for research & innovation at UT Austin.

Most recently, I was contracted by UT's Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors to lead the strategy of the new Texas Resilience Institute website, a major community platform for climate resilience launching in 2027. 

 

My journey through UT's innovation ecosystem also included:

Special interests 

  • Ethical animal-computer interaction and ML for bioacoustics translation

  • Plant intelligence, interspecies intelligence, and different ways of knowing and communicating

  • Interaction patterns between AI and neurodiverse people

  • The impact of AI on creativity and meaning

  • How to operationalize responsible AI in different contexts (my capstone report)

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I stay involved with community.

I have stayed involved over the years through nonprofit organizations like Rainforest Partnership and OpenAustin, with more recent involvement at Women and Climate and Latinas in Tech. When not working, you'll find me outside with my Belgian Malinois, Adele. I enjoy hiking, personal development, global travel, and art-making with friends.

I love a good adventure.

  • Hiked the last 114km of El Camino during a record heatwave in Spain.

  • Solo-adventured through Kauai by foot, SUV, and helicopter.

  • Aerial shot the toughest off-road racing event on Earth from a doorless helicopter in the Mojave Desert (think off-road Burning Man). 

  • Backpacked for 3 weeks across Italy, Spain, and France.

  • Spontaneously lived on the side of a snow-covered Colorado mountain for a month.

  • Packed my life into 2 suitcases and moved to NYC for the challenge, the movement, and personal growth.

  • Future goals include exploring the fjords of Norway, driving the Golden Circle in Iceland, hiking with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, canoeing through mangrove forests in Okinawa, meeting elephants in Thailand, and hanging out with monks in Tibet. 

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© Vanessa Sanchez 2026 - Forever

Made with 💛 + ☕ + 🎧 + ✨

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