Event Director Announced: Malari Barber

Malari Barber

UXRS new Events Director

Malari Barber is a freelance UX researcher, people person, and information enthusiast. She began her career in the field of social work where she worked as a researcher and mental health professional in Chicago and Los Angeles. Malari’s background also includes work in creative project management. 
In 2020, Malari decided to pursue a new career path and completed a certification in UX design. This has given her the opportunity to apply her research skills in a new setting. Because of her career pivot, Malari is passionate about providing educational resources and community for those who are new to UXR. The goal of her work is to use information, collaboration, and empathy to craft experiences that have a positive impact on the user and on the world. 
Outside of UX research, her interests include art, music, and enjoying nature.

Why would you like to be the UXRS Events Board of Director?
I believe so heavily in the importance of continuing education and professional development. On a personal level, UXRS has been a source of solid education and development for me over my time pivoting into UXR from the social sciences. I have appreciated the depth and seriousness of the content, as well as the community that exists within UXRS.

What contributions do you hope to make during your service for UXRS events?
Brainstorming around the future of UXRS. Where does UXRS feel like things are going well? What areas do we want to shift in? What are new paths we'd like to explore? How can we better serve the people participating in our events?  
I would also like to contribute to driving connections between professionals and newcomers to the industry - particularly career changers. 
I would like to build new connections with professionals in order to curate content that really teaches the philosophical underpinnings of UXR work, as well as the practical skills. I believe a combination of both enriches the quality of the practice. 

Let Malari know how she can make the UXRS events the best ever on our social media platforms now.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ux.research.and.strategy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ux_and
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UX-Research-and-Strategy-107790134316377