R E F E R E N C E S
Amarides Montgomery
ACD, Apple
Worked with Monica at Apple
Monica is an incredibly talented designer and has a great personality that fits well with Apple. She has proven her ability to see a project through to the end, work with engineering to build good relationships, and come up with an array of smart, creative design solutions when given a large problem to solve. Monica remains very upbeat, even in moments of fire drills or stressful design turnaround, and you can tell she’s greatly respected by her colleagues. I’ve watched her mentor other designers and carry a heavy work load for the team. She’s able to work independently as well as with others, and is consistently delivering work that is beyond the role of “designer". Monica is a huge asset to the team since she can handle conceptual as well as system design, and seems to really enjoy the combination of the two.
Greg Smith
Sr. Designer, Walmart Labs
Reported to Monica at Walmart
As a design leader, Monica maintains a constant understanding of business needs, product direction, user-centered design goals, and engineering challenges. She has an exemplary ability to balance the big-picture view of any project phase with a diligent attention to detail. She was responsible for our team continually meeting demanding deadlines. I’ve known Monica to see several steps ahead of everyone, to forecast both opportunities and blockers.
She always advocates for the strongest solution to a problem. The time I spent under Monica’s leadership at Walmart Labs was enriching, challenging, and made me a much better designer. Most important, Monica is a kind, optimistic and encouraging leader. She goes out of her way to create an atmosphere where designers on her team can succeed. She leads by example, and directs with clarity. Monica is a thoughtful listener, and an open, empathetic collaborator.
Cecile Pham
Senior Designer, Creative Fusion
Worked with Monica at Skyline
Monica is one of those gems you are lucky to work with. She is a beautiful designer, detail-oriented, hard working, meticulous and a consumate professional. She has an amazing, infectious attitude that charms and delights clients and colleagues alike. This is only over shadowed by her talented design work and diligent work ethic. She is and will be an amazing asset to any company that decides to take her onto their staff.
Allen Svanoe-Loggins
Design Director, AMP Agency
Worked with Monica at Apple
I had the pleasure of sitting near Monica for the better part of a year. Though I didn't work on projects with her, I did witness her working style. I witnessed a natural empath and people-first leader who produces spot-on design work with a smile. I witnessed someone brave enough bring a culture of unpretentiousness into a historically somber org. I witnessed the gradual relaxation of people around her. And her work was celebrated. The proof is in the people: during her tenure at Apple, her teams held onto her for dear life. What strikes me most about Monica is the fact she pulls out all stops to help the people around her. Whether it's access to resources or just a simple pick-me-up comment, she is the type that finds the moments that surprise and delight. I'd absolutely love to work with Monica again.
Jonathan McClanahan
Engineering Manager, Uber
Worked with Monica at Walmart
Monica was one of the most talented and dedicated designers I ever had the privilege of working with at Walmart. The term “cross-functional” is thrown around a lot these days, but she genuinely embodies what the term is. She is constantly working with various partners in engineering and product to make the best possible product for everyone. Monica realizes that a good design is not one that just looks good (though hers do), it is one that is efficient, accessible, consistent with design patterns, market researched, and so many other things.
All of these considerations go well beyond one person, which is why a designer that has mastered cross-functional communication is so vital. Finally, her leadership skills on our projects were truly excellent. She was always the first to identify and attempt to remedy any process/product issues we may have even if it was not strictly a design issue. All of these things came together to make Monica one of the most valuable members of our team. I genuinely hope I will have the opportunity to work with Monica again, as I know any project she is a part of will have a strong proponent.
Angelina Ramsay
Integrated Producer, LinkedIn
Worked w/ Monica at Gymboree
Monica is a standout graphic designer who would make a great addition to any team. I had the pleasure of working with Monica for three years at Gymboree. During this time, I was particularly impressed by Monica's dedication. I could always count on Monica to get the job done, even juggling multiple projects with tight deadlines. I highly recommend her for any position, as she is a versatile designer and naturally rises to the occasion when presented with something she is passionate about.
Colin Brock
Eng Manager, Crowdstrike
Worked with Monica at Puppet
Collaboration between design and engineering can make or break a software UI project. My time working with Monica shines as an example of how productive that collaboration can be. Monica has an ability to always put the user experience first while never compromising on her artistic vision. I had the pleasure of collaborating with Monica for an application-wide navigation redesign, and was constantly impressed by her willingness to continuously iterate toward the best possible user experience. At the same time, she consistently delivered high quality specifications that made my job that much easier.
Some artists work in clay, others in acrylic. Monica works in Illustrator. After any one of our collaborative sessions, I would seemingly receive updated design specs before I even made it back to my desk. Monica always ensured our collaborative sessions weren't without snacks and refreshments to help our creative thinking. Her bright and positive personality is a pleasure to be around. Combined with her technical design skills, she would make an amazing impact on any organization.
Sarah Litak
Sr. Product Designer, Docusign
Reported to Monica at Macy's
I knew Monica was an exceptional designer and leader the first time I interviewed with her. I admired her positive attitude and passion for design. She is a gifted designer and always offered thoughtful career advice and design direction....I would have been lost without the exceptional training and guidance she offered. She proactively started an onboarding guide for new hires and caught me up to speed with the many Macy’s systems and processes.
She checked in with my progress weekly, while giving me the freedom to seek out projects independently. Monica has an approachable demeanor and enthusiasm for her work. She is a collaborative team member with an acute attention to detail. Her effective communication skills and ability to build strong vendor relationships lead to compelling digital experiences.
Vasco Morelli
Brand Creative Director, Achieve
Worked with Monica at Shutterfly and Gymboree
I have worked with Monica at Gymboree and Shutterfly, and have nothing but great things to say about her–both professionally and personally. Professionally, she has an ability to maintain an even-keeled demeanor despite the stress or timeline, can maintain a high-level of creative output, and does it all with a smile. Personally, you'll find Monica integrating herself very well with her peers, becoming a leader not just in the design realm, but with regards to team dynamics and employee morale. A creative who can raise the bar and raise your spirits is hard to find, and I very much look forward to working with her again.
John Lethert
CEO, Skyline San Diego
Managed Monica at Skyline
Monica is a first class person and a first class designer. One of her greatest assets is her ability to connect with and understand people. I believe this is one of the keys to why she is so successful. She has my utmost respect and is an incredible talent who can work just as strong independently and as a team player.